Print

Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers

Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers
Print Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers is a bold and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and long pasta noodles tossed in a slightly spicy, savory tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and vibrant dish is perfect for busy evenings, offering a satisfying meal with a touch of heat and fresh herbaceous finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage & Protein

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Pasta & Sauce

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Peppers: Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add sliced bell peppers and cook until slightly softened yet still vibrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes and crushed tomatoes, mixing thoroughly. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together and deepen.
  5. Combine and Toss: Return the sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a fragrant, colorful finish before serving.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Sausage: Use good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Peppers: Keep some crunch for texture and freshness.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Adds magic by loosening the sauce and helping it cling to noodles.
  • Adjust Heat Gradually: Add red pepper flakes little by little to control spice.
  • Fresh Herbs Matter: Always finish with fresh basil or parsley to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian, Drunken Noodles, Sausage, Peppers, Spicy, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Pasta, Italian Sausage, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://withnora.com/italian-drunken-noodles-with-sausage-peppers/