Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian Drunken Noodles, a hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, tomatoes, spinach, and pasta, all simmered in a flavorful wine-infused sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, combining Italian and Mediterranean influences in a satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Add the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cherry tomatoes start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish:
- Add the cooked pasta and baby spinach to the skillet, tossing gently until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.
Enjoy the savory and comforting flavors of Italian Drunken Noodles!
