Here’s a flavorful and comforting recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles — a saucy, pasta-based dish inspired by the bold flavors of Thai drunken noodles but with a rustic Italian twist. It features spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and wide egg noodles simmered in a splash of white wine. It’s hearty, spicy, slightly boozy, and ready in under 40 minutes!
🇮🇹🍝 Italian Drunken Noodles
📌 Servings: 4
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25–30 minutes | Total: ~35–40 minutes
🔥 Spice Level: Mild to Medium (adjustable)
🧾 Ingredients
🍝 Pasta:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle)
🧄 Main Dish:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
🍳 Instructions
🔹 1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
🔹 2. Brown the Sausage
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink — about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove sausage and set aside (leave a bit of the drippings in the pan).
🔹 3. Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
🔹 4. Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
🔹 5. Add Tomatoes & Simmer
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and return the sausage to the pan.
- Simmer everything together for 5–7 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
🔹 6. Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture looks too dry.
- Stir in fresh basil or parsley.
🔹 7. Serve
- Plate and top with grated Parmesan and more fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with crusty garlic bread or a green salad.
🔁 Variations & Tips
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based sausage or skip and bulk with mushrooms/zucchini.
- No wine? Use chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Extra heat: Add more chili flakes or a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil.
❓FAQs – Italian Drunken Noodles
🔹 Why is it called “drunken” noodles?
While not soaked in alcohol, the dish gets its name from the generous splash of wine in the sauce and its connection to the spicy Thai version, which is said to be so flavorful, you need a drink to cool off!
🔹 Can I make this in advance?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
🔹 Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding the noodles for best texture.
Would you like a one-pan baked version, a gluten-free pasta option, or a printable recipe card for this dish?