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Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers

Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers

Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers offer a bold, hearty fusion of spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and wide rice noodles tossed in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This one-pan comfort meal is quick, customizable, and bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying dinner or to impress guests with an exciting twist on classic noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Proteins

  • 12 oz Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Fresh basil or parsley, a handful, chopped

Noodles

  • 8 oz wide rice noodles, soaked or cooked as per package instructions

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or fresh chili, adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional

  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers into thin strips, mince the garlic, and chop the onions. Cut the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Soak or cook the wide rice noodles according to package instructions until tender but slightly firm.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving behind some of the flavorful oil.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften but retain some crunch, locking in their sweetness and texture.
  4. Combine and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour in the soy sauce along with the red pepper flakes or fresh chili for heat. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the savory sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley for a burst of herbal freshness. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, well-seasoned slightly spicy Italian sausage to set the flavor tone of the dish.
  • Do not overcook the noodles; aim for al dente as they will cook further when combined with other ingredients.
  • Keep bell peppers slightly crisp to add texture contrast and maintain their sweetness.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes gradually to suit your preferred heat level.
  • Adding fresh herbs at the end brightens the dish instantly with fresh aromas.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian drunken noodles, sausage and peppers, spicy noodles, Italian sausage recipe, one-pan meal, gluten-free noodles, comfort food with twist