Mediterranean Italian Noodles Recipe

By Muhammad Faizan

Mediterranean Italian Noodles Recipe

Description

This Mediterranean-Italian fusion noodle dish combines hearty Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, fresh herbs, garlic, and wide noodles such as pappardelle or egg noodles. The flavors are bold, aromatic, and lightly spicy, offering a comforting yet vibrant meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

 Ingredients

For 4 servings

  • 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or basil, roughly chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or pasta water

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

 Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Cook noodles until al dente.

  3. Drain, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spatula.

  3. Cook until browned (about 7–8 minutes).

  4. Remove excess fat if needed.

3. Add the Vegetables

  1. Add onion and sauté until softened.

  2. Add bell peppers and cook 4–5 minutes.

  3. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

4. Add Seasoning & Liquid

  1. Add smoked paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.

  2. Pour in chicken broth or pasta water.

  3. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked noodles into the skillet.

  2. Toss gently to coat with sauce.

  3. Mix in spinach or basil; let wilt.

  4. Add cherry tomatoes (optional).

  5. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve

Plate immediately and garnish with:

  • Fresh parsley

  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

🍽 Servings

  • Serves 4 generous portions

  • Total cook time: 25–30 minutes

 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 540

  • Protein: 26g

  • Carbohydrates: 56g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 780mg

(Values vary depending on sausage and noodle type.)

 Benefits of This Recipe

  • High-protein meal thanks to Italian sausage.

  • Mediterranean ingredients (olive oil, peppers, herbs) support heart health.

  • Balanced dish with carbs, protein, and vegetables.

  • Customizable — can be mild or spicy.

  • Quick and easy for busy weeknights.

Recipe Notes & Tips

 Tips

  • For a lighter version, replace sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage.

  • Substitute spinach with kale or arugula.

  • Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for a stronger Mediterranean twist.

  • Use reserved pasta water to make the sauce silkier.

  • Add lemon zest for brightness.

 Notes

  • Pappardelle works beautifully because its wide ribbon shape holds sauces well.

  • Spicy Italian sausage adds depth, but mild works great with extra paprika.

  • This dish reheats well, but add a splash of water when reheating to restore moisture.

 Q & A About Mediterranean Italian Noodles

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything, but keep the noodles and sauce separate until ready to serve.

Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely — replace sausage with mushrooms or vegetarian sausage.

Q3: What type of noodle works best?

Pappardelle or wide egg noodles hold chunky sauces very well.

Q4: How do I make it spicier?

Add extra crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage.

Q5: Can I add cheese?

Yes! Parmesan or pecorino romano pairs perfectly.

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