Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the Drunken Sausage Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and sliced chilies (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let the wine reduce by about half, which should take 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Cook Pasta and Assemble
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Just before draining the pasta, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, the grated Pecorino/Parmesan cheese, and the chopped fresh basil.
- Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to every noodle. If the sauce is too thick, add another splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of cheese.
Notes
Wine Choice: A good quality, dry red wine you'd enjoy drinking works best as it is a key flavor component.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of fresh chilies and red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder version, omit them entirely or use sweet Italian sausage.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of fresh chilies and red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder version, omit them entirely or use sweet Italian sausage.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
