Italian Drunken Noodles are a bold, comforting pasta dish inspired by the classic Thai favorite, but with Italian flavors front and center. Tender noodles are tossed with Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato-wine sauce for a dish that’s hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this one-pan pasta delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. It’s rustic, cozy, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Italian Flavors – Sausage, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes
- One-Pan Dinner – Minimal cleanup
- Hearty & Filling – Perfect comfort food
- Quick to Make – Ready in under 40 minutes
- Customizable – Easy to adjust spice and veggies
- Family-Friendly – Crowd-pleasing flavors
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute broth)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned.
Break into crumbles and drain excess grease if needed.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet.
Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, broth, and wine.
Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine & Finish
Add cooked noodles to the skillet.
Toss until fully coated in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and grated parmesan.
Serve hot.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve in wide bowls with extra parmesan on top.
Great Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Leftover Uses:
- Pasta bake
- Stuffed peppers
- Quick lunch bowls
Beverage Pairing:
- Sparkling water
- Iced tea
- Light red wine
Additional Tips
- Use wide noodles to hold the sauce
- Spicy sausage adds great heat
- Deglaze the pan well for maximum flavor
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream
- Vegetarian: Swap sausage for mushrooms
- Extra Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes
- Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Stovetop with a splash of broth
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Italian drunken noodles?
The name comes from simmering the sauce with wine, giving rich, bold flavor.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, replace it with extra broth.
What noodles work best?
Wide noodles like egg noodles, pappardelle, or fettuccine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes ,it reheats very well.
Conclusion
Italian Drunken Noodles are a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that brings bold Italian comfort to your table with minimal effort. Packed with sausage, veggies, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
