### Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with vibrant peppers, fresh herbs, and a touch of white wine. This dish is all about letting the ingredients meld together to create a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors.

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### Ingredients:

– **Olive oil** (for sautéing)
– **4 pieces** of good Italian sausage, casings removed
– **1 large onion**, finely chopped
– **1 ½ teaspoons** salt
– **1 teaspoon** Italian seasoning
– **½ teaspoon** ground black pepper
– **1 red bell pepper**, finely chopped
– **1 yellow bell pepper**, finely chopped
– **1 orange bell pepper**, finely chopped
– **4 cloves** of garlic, finely chopped
– **½ cup** white wine (such as Chardonnay)
– **1 cup** canned tomatoes with juice
– **2 tablespoons** chopped parsley
– **¼ cup** fresh basil leaves, julienned and chopped
– **8 oz**. uncooked pappardelle pasta

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### Preparation:

#### 1. **Cook the Sausage:**
– Heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
– Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
– Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a small bowl and set aside.

#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the sausage drippings and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the onions caramelize and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add more olive oil if needed.
– Add **salt, Italian seasoning,** and **black pepper**, stirring well to combine.
– Add the chopped red, yellow, and orange bell peppers to the skillet and cook with the onions until they soften and turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
– Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

#### 3. **Deglaze with Wine:**
– Pour in the **white wine** and let it simmer for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the liquid reduces slightly.

#### 4. **Combine and Simmer:**
– Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the **canned tomatoes with juice**. Stir gently to combine.
– Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Add the chopped parsley and half of the julienned basil, stirring in **2-3 tablespoons of olive oil** for a rich, velvety flavor. Keep the sauce warm while you prepare the noodles.

#### 5. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Prepare the **pappardelle pasta** according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the sauce.
– Use tongs to gently mix the noodles with the sauce until well combined. Taste and adjust for salt or pepper as needed.

#### 6. **Serve:**
– Divide the “drunken” noodles into equal portions on each plate.
– Garnish with the remaining julienned basil, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra olive oil.

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### Enjoy!

This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine and a simple green salad. The combination of bold sausage, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this unique and delicious twist on a classic Italian pasta dish!