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Italian Drunken Sausage Pasta

A bold and rustic fusion of spicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and rich tomato-wine sauce, tossed with wide ribbons of pasta for the ultimate trattoria-style experience.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Italian Drunken Sausage Pasta
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the sausage
  • 1 medium white or yellow onion thinly sliced into strips
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes optional, for added heat
  • 1 pound Italian sausage spicy or mild, with casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon extra olive oil for sautéing vegetables
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season as needed
  • 8 ounces wide-cut pasta such as pappardelle or fettuccine
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
  • 1 green bell pepper julienned
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into ribbons
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, pour in the second tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and all three varieties of bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for roughly 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and, if using, the crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to come together.
  • Incorporate the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing until each strand is coated. Add the fresh parsley and basil, stirring well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Serve the pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional herbs, if desired.

Notes

For a more intense flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer before adding the pasta. Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.