Name: Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces wide egg noodles or pappardelle; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that’s guaranteed to please a hungry crowd—and leaves plenty of room for a little wine on the side—then Italian Drunken Noodles are exactly what your weeknight needs. This gorgeously colorful dish promises twirls of silky noodles wrapped in a robust sausage-and-tomato sauce with just enough white wine to make things interesting. Every bite is packed with caramelized peppers, the aromatic kick of garlic, and a finishing sprinkle of fresh basil that ties everything together. It’s like a classic Italian sausage pasta just met its lively, spicy cousin. Italian Drunken Noodles are the ultimate comfort food for sharing with friends and family, and once you try them, you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat!

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles is effortless, but each one is totally essential in creating those layers of rich, vibrant flavor. Every component plays its part—whether it’s adding a pop of color, a bit of zing, or that irresistible savory depth.

Wide egg noodles or pappardelle (12 ounces): Wide, chewy noodles soak up all the rich sauce for the perfect bite every time.
Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy): The star of the show—pick your preferred heat level for a dish with real character.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and helps everything cook evenly, lending that unmistakable Mediterranean touch.
Medium onion, thinly sliced: Onions get sweet and golden, building a flavor foundation for the sauce.
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brightens up the dish with sunshine hues and gentle flavor.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Essential for that mouthwatering, savory aroma and punch.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just enough heat to wake up your palate, or skip for a milder version.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Adds depth and lifts all the flavors—plus, you can sip the extra while you cook!
Diced tomatoes with juice (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Convenience meets flavor; canned tomatoes keep everything juicy and tangy.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A pinch of herbs infuses the sauce with fragrance and warmth.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Brings all the other flavors into perfect balance.
Fresh basil, chopped (1/4 cup): Stirred in at the end for a burst of brightness and classic Italian flair.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): The ultimate finishing touch for nutty, salty deliciousness with every forkful.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your egg noodles or pappardelle and cook just until al dente—this is where they’ll still have a slight bite. Make sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick together. Once perfect, drain and set aside, keeping them ready for their flavorful bath in the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

While the noodles cook, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns and cooks through. Once it’s deeply golden in spots and fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it, leaving those tasty drippings in the pan. This is the magic that gives the whole dish extra flavor.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions and Peppers

To the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Let them sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re softened and begin to caramelize. The vegetables will start to smell incredible and pick up some delicious golden color—that’s how you know you’re building awesome flavor for your Italian Drunken Noodles.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Pepper Flakes

Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Let them sizzle for just about 30 seconds, infusing the oil and vegetables with their punchy aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should just be fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry white wine and immediately use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine bubble and reduce by about half over 2-3 minutes. This not only lifts all the caramelized goodness into your sauce but also brings that signature “drunken” flavor to the Italian Drunken Noodles.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Now, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Return your cooked sausage to the skillet, mixing everything together. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, giving those flavors time to meld and deepen.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Add the drained noodles straight into the skillet. Toss everything gently until the pasta is well coated with sauce, vegetables, and sausage. Turn off the heat, then stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of green freshness just before serving. Top each portion with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese for that irresistible final flourish.

How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles

Garnishes

Bring out a bowl of extra grated Parmesan and a generous handful of torn fresh basil for sprinkling over the top. A few grinds of cracked black pepper never hurt, and if you like, a quick drizzle of good olive oil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes will make these Italian Drunken Noodles feel restaurant-worthy right at home.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil is the perfect way to round out the meal and refresh your palate. If you want a real Italian-American feast, serve your noodles alongside garlic bread for sauce-mopping. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli rabe also pair beautifully with the hearty flavors of Italian Drunken Noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Dare to be playful! Try piling the noodles into individual pasta bowls with a big basil sprig on top, or serve directly from the skillet at the table for a rustic, family-style vibe. For parties, Italian Drunken Noodles are wonderful spooned into small cups or ramekins for easy cocktail-hour bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Italian Drunken Noodles cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or second-night dinners.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, Italian Drunken Noodles freeze surprisingly well! Portion the cooled pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the noodles gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened. You can also use the microwave for single servings—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! Both mild and spicy Italian sausage are classic choices, but you can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative if you’d like to lighten things up or make them vegetarian.

Is it possible to make Italian Drunken Noodles without white wine?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the wine, you can use an equal amount of vegetable broth or chicken broth. You’ll still get plenty of bold, savory flavors in your sauce.

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Wide egg noodles or pappardelle are ideal for Italian Drunken Noodles, but you can also use fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even regular spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will soak up and cradle plenty of sauce.

How spicy are Italian Drunken Noodles?

The recipe is as spicy as you want it to be. The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can increase, decrease, or omit them according to your spice tolerance. Using spicy sausage makes it even bolder!

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?

Certainly! You can make the sauce ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked noodles and basil. Wait to add the cheese and garnishes until just before serving to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up pasta night with something bold, comforting, and full of character, I can’t recommend Italian Drunken Noodles enough. They truly bring people together with every tangy, savory, joy-filled bite. Give this recipe a try and let it become the new star of your kitchen—it’s destined to become a repeat favorite!

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Italian Drunken Noodles is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring wide egg noodles or pappardelle cooked with Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a savory tomato-wine sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.