Description
Simmering with Italian passion, these Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Hearty sausage, peppers, and wine-soaked pasta create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (453 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Noodles and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 g) wide egg noodles
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the savory Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, methodically breaking the meat into small, uniform crumbles until golden and fully cooked.
- Transfer the caramelized sausage pieces directly into the slow cooker, ensuring no delectable browned bits are left behind.
- Layer the aromatic trinity of chopped onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers atop the sausage in the slow cooker.
- Cascade the vibrant diced tomatoes with their rich juices, followed by chicken broth and a robust dollop of tomato paste across the ingredients.
- Sprinkle a harmonious blend of dried basil, oregano, fiery red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to infuse deep Mediterranean flavors.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring each component is thoroughly integrated and coated with the seasoned liquid.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer and meld on low temperature for 6-8 hours, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, prepare egg noodles in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Introduce the tender noodles into the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate and absorb the luxurious sauce.
- Taste and refine seasonings, then crown the dish with a generous snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with delicate, torn fresh basil leaves for a final burst of herbal brightness before serving.
Notes
- Customize sausage by using mild or spicy versions to match personal heat preferences and flavor profiles.
- Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles for low-carb and celiac-friendly alternatives without compromising taste.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra ground meat or plant-based meat substitutes for vegetarian adaptations.
- Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium broth and checking salt content in canne
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg