Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish inspired by the Thai dish Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles. Here’s a delicious recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) wide rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers (assorted colors), thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Rice Noodles:
   • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Italian Sausage:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Garlic and Spice:
   • Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Prepare Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil.
6. Combine and Simmer:
   • Pour the sauce over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Add Noodles:
   • Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
8. Season and Garnish:
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
9. Serve:
   • Divide the Italian Drunken Noodles among plates. Serve hot and enjoy!

This Italian-inspired twist on Drunken Noodles offers a burst of flavors with the richness of Italian sausage, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar. Adjust the spice level to your liking and savor this delicious and comforting dish.