Indulge in the delightful world of Italian Drunken Noodles, a dish that perfectly marries the heartiness of pasta with the bold flavors of Italian cuisine. This recipe is designed to tantalize your taste buds and bring a touch of warmth to your dining table. With its rich sauce and vibrant ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the cooking process to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on a serving size of 1 cup, the nutritional value is approximately:
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 60g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 4g
This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in minced garlic and sliced bell pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and red wine, stirring to combine.
6. Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 8-10 minutes.
8. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce.
9. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute spaghetti with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a gluten-free option. Additionally, white wine can be used instead of red for a lighter flavor, and fresh herbs like parsley can replace basil.
Serving and Pairings
Italian Drunken Noodles pair wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine also complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra wine to loosen the sauce. This dish can be frozen, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
– Avoid using low-quality wine, as it impacts flavor.
– Don’t skip the seasonings; they enhance the dish.
– Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can become bitter.
– Don’t rush the sauce; allow it to simmer for depth of flavor.
– Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best taste.
– Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking.
Helpful Tips
– Experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach.
– For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
– Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
– Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
FAQs
What are Italian Drunken Noodles?
Italian Drunken Noodles are a flavorful pasta dish made with spaghetti or linguine, infused with a rich sauce of wine, tomatoes, and seasonings. It combines traditional Italian flavors with a unique twist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Italian Drunken Noodles vegetarian by omitting any meat and adding more vegetables. They still retain their delicious flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to toss the cooked noodles with a bit of olive oil immediately after draining. This will help prevent them from clumping together.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
The total time for preparing Italian Drunken Noodles is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal for busy nights.
Conclusion
Italian Drunken Noodles are a delightful dish that brings together simple ingredients into a flavorful experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the robust flavors and the comforting satisfaction of this Italian classic.
Italian Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and sliced bell pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and red wine, stirring to combine.
- Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 8-10 minutes.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Nutrition
