Italian Drunken Noodles, also known as “Pasta alla Vecchia Bettola,” is a flavorful and hearty Italian pasta dish. It typically features penne pasta cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with red wine. Here’s a simple recipe to make Italian Drunken Noodles:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (such as Chianti)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Italian Drunken Noodles as a main course, accompanied by a glass of the same red wine used in the sauce, if desired.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Buon appetito!
