Italian Drunken Noodles

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Plate of Italian Drunken Noodles with fresh ingredients and spices

Easy Steps to make Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz Spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot)
  • 1 cup Marinara sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 4 oz Optional protein: Italian sausage, sliced OR shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms (optional, as desired)

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of cooking water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Add optional protein and cook until fully cooked. Add any vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
  5. Combine drained spaghetti with sauce, tossing to coat. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed and mix in grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad.

How to serve Italian Drunken Noodles

Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil. This dish goes well with garlic bread or a light side salad to balance the flavors.

Variation

  1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.
  2. Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes to make it spicier.
  3. Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamy texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.

Q: What if I don’t have dry red wine?
A: You can replace it with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

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