Save Experience a sizzling fusion of Italian and Asian flavors with these Italian Drunken Noodles. This vibrant dish features pasta tossed with your choice of spicy sausage or succulent shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion, all brought together in a bold Chianti tomato sauce. Crowned with fresh basil and Parmesan, this wine-kissed dinner is as flavorful as it is visually stunning.
Save The secret to this dish is the deglazing process, where dry red wine lifts the savory browned bits from the pan to create a sophisticated sauce base. The addition of balsamic vinegar and tomato paste adds layers of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complement the heat from the red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine (regular, gluten-free, or whole wheat)
- Sauce & Proteins: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 small yellow onion (thinly sliced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 8 ounces Italian sausage (sweet or hot, crumbled) OR 8 ounces peeled shrimp
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Liquids & Seasonings: ½ cup dry red wine (Chianti or Sangiovese recommended), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh Herbs & Cheese: ½ cup fresh basil leaves (roughly torn), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- To Finish: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, plus optional garnishes: extra basil, sliced red chili, and lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Step 3
- Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add sausage (or shrimp) to the skillet. For sausage: cook 5–7 minutes, breaking into pieces, until browned and cooked through. For shrimp: cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 5
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes, gently mash some tomatoes to release their juices.
- Step 6
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes until reduced by about half.
- Step 7
- Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes.
- Step 8
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until sauce clings to noodles.
- Step 9
- Remove from heat. Stir in basil, parsley, and Parmesan until melted and evenly incorporated.
- Step 10
- Divide pasta among bowls. Garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, sliced chili (if desired), and a lemon wedge for brightness.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the perfect consistency, always reserve your pasta water; the starch helps the wine-kissed sauce emulsify and stick to the noodles. If you prefer more heat, incorporate fresh sliced chilies along with the red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or shrimp and use sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu instead. You can also swap in gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit your dietary preferences—just be sure to check your Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce labels for hidden gluten.
Serviervorschläge
This bold dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of the same Chianti used in the sauce. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side, as a final squeeze of citrus helps brighten the savory umami notes of the noodles.
Save Whether you choose spicy sausage or succulent shrimp, these Italian Drunken Noodles offer a sophisticated and satisfying meal that brings a touch of fusion flair to your dinner table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes Italian drunken noodles unique?
The fusion of Italian pasta with Asian-inspired techniques creates a distinctive dish. The wine-reduced sauce with soy sauce and Worcestershire adds umami depth that complements the traditional Italian ingredients, resulting in a vibrant, complex flavor profile.
- → Can I make Italian drunken noodles vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the sausage or shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, marinated tofu, or eggplant. The sauce remains just as flavorful and satisfying with these plant-based alternatives.
- → What type of wine works best?
Chianti or Sangiovese are ideal choices due to their medium body and bright acidity. Any dry red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir works well if that's what you have on hand.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes provide moderate heat that's adjustable. Start with one teaspoon for a gentle kick, or increase to 1-2 teaspoons for more spice. Fresh chilies can be added as a garnish for extra heat.
- → What sides pair well with Italian drunken noodles?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the rich pasta. Crusty bread soaks up the sauce, and roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers complement the flavors. A glass of Chianti completes the meal.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or wine to revive the sauce's consistency. The flavors often develop and intensify overnight.