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Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Wine
Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits that have stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pan. Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s well coated. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil and Season to Taste
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give the dish one last toss to combine the basil evenly throughout the pasta.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Plate the Italian Drunken Noodles and garnish with more fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodles:
- Wine Choice: The white wine used in this dish adds complexity to the sauce. A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works best, but you can use any white wine that you enjoy.
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the dish. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta at the end.
- Vegetarian Option: Keep this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and by making sure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly (some Parmesan cheeses use animal rennet).
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes would all be great additions.
- Make it Spicy: If you love spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love Italian Drunken Noodles:
- Bold Flavors: The combination of tangy tomatoes, savory garlic, aromatic herbs, and the richness from the wine creates a deeply flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
- Vegetable Packed: This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal, making it both delicious and nutritious.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add protein, more spice, or even change up the vegetables, this dish is highly adaptable to your tastes.
- Quick and Easy: Despite the complex flavors, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or last-minute guests.
Conclusion:
Italian Drunken Noodles are a perfect fusion of bold Italian flavors with the fun and lively twist of “drunken” pasta. The white wine and crushed tomatoes create a savory and slightly tangy sauce, while the vegetables add color, crunch, and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and easy prep, it’s a meal that will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this Italian-inspired pasta and let every bite be as memorable as the last!
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