🍝 Italian “Drunken Noodles” (Wine-Braised Pasta)
Italian-style “drunken noodles” aren’t traditional like Asian drunken noodles—they’re pasta cooked with wine, garlic, and herbs for a rich, aromatic flavor.
🧄🍅 Ingredients
- Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (4–5 cloves, sliced)
- 1 small onion (optional)
- 1 cup tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- ½–1 cup red or white wine 🍷
- Chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt & black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
👨‍🍳 Method
- Cook pasta
Boil in salted water until al dente. Save ½ cup pasta water. - Make the base
Heat olive oil, sauté garlic (and onion) until fragrant. - Add wine 🍷
Pour in wine and let it simmer 2–3 minutes (alcohol cooks off, flavor stays). - Add tomatoes & spices
Cook until slightly thick. - Combine pasta
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss well. - Finish
Add herbs, black pepper, and cheese.
🌿 Flavor Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes
- Creamy version: Add a little cream at the end
- Protein boost: Add chicken, shrimp, or beef strips
🍽️ Taste Profile
- Slightly tangy
- Aromatic from wine
- Light but flavorful
🔑 Tips
- Use good-quality wine (if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it)
- Don’t overcook the wine—just simmer
- Fresh herbs make a big difference
If you want, I can give you a restaurant-style creamy version, or a no-alcohol halal version using substitutes đź‘Ť
