Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients:

• 8 oz wide pappardelle pasta noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pappardelle noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and red wine. Add Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine and heat through.
8. Serve the noodles garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• Experiment with different colors of bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
• For a lighter version, consider using turkey or chicken sausage.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Conclusion:
This Pappardelle with Italian Sausage and Peppers is a delightful harmony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Enjoy the comforting combination of Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato-wine sauce. Top it off with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and delicious meal.