Savory Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage

Ingredients

• 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup dry red wine

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

   • Cook noodles until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook the sausage & veggies:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high.

   • Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

   • Stir in onions and peppers, cooking until softened (about 5–6 minutes).

   • Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the sauce:

   • Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen flavor.

   • Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits.

   • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

   • Simmer 15–20 minutes until thickened.

4. Combine:

   • Add cooked noodles to the skillet with sauce.

   • Toss gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

   • Stir in Parmesan.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.