Description
Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers is a bold and flavorful fusion dish combining spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and wide rice noodles or pappardelle. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and comforting meal offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory aromas, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Protein
- 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Noodles
- 8 oz wide rice noodles or pappardelle
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and finely chop the garlic and onion. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing if necessary and break it into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the wide rice noodles or pappardelle in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté Peppers, Onion, and Garlic: Add sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften but remain vibrant. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Combine Noodles and Sausage Mixture: Gently toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir well to combine and heat everything through, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavorful juices.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers.
Notes
- Use freshly ground or high-quality Italian sausage for optimal flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the bell peppers; keep them slightly crisp for a satisfying texture contrast.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Season gradually—taste during cooking and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Wide noodles like pappardelle or wide rice noodles hold sauce and sausage bits better than thinner varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Italian drunken noodles, sausage and peppers, easy weeknight dinner, Italian fusion, gluten free pasta dish
