Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting dinner that’s bursting with bold Italian flavors and comes together fast, you’ll be smitten with Italian Drunken Noodles. This lively one-pan pasta combines hearty ground sausage, sweet bell peppers, and just a touch of white wine, all tossed with tender egg noodles and a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of soul-warming, satisfying meal that makes any busy weeknight instantly better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for a pan of these saucy, satisfying noodles is a handful of flavorful basics:

• Egg Noodles: These are the perfect noodle—tender, plush, and sturdy enough to soak up all the glorious sauce. If you like a chewy bite, cook them al dente.
• Ground Italian Sausage: Choose a mild or spicy variety based on your preference. The sausage brings savory richness and depth to the sauce.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and a pop of color. The contrast is fantastic with the sausage.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is key for that deep, irresistible aroma. If you adore garlic, add an extra clove.
• Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon brings a blend of dried herbs that rounds out the Italian vibe.
• White Cooking Wine: This is where the “drunken” part comes in! The wine brightens everything and adds complexity. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off—it’s all about flavor!
• Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Choose a good-quality canned tomato—they’ll meld into a chunky, savory sauce.
• Dried Basil: Basil brings a sweet, peppery freshness that makes the sauce sing. Dried is reliable and easy to keep on hand.
• Salt and Pepper: Season as you like! Sausage tends to be salty already, so taste as you go.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, of course—this salty, nutty topping finishes the dish perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of color and a fresh, gardeny note as a final garnish.

Note: The beauty here is how forgiving this recipe is. If you’re missing something, don’t sweat it! See some variation ideas below.

Variations

Ready to make this recipe your own? Here’s how you can switch it up:

• Switch the Protein: Swap sausage for ground beef, turkey, or keep it vegetarian with mushrooms or lentils.
• Add Heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap for hot Italian sausage for a fiery kick.
• Go Greener: Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale right at the end for a nutritious boost.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten Free: Use whole wheat egg noodles or gluten-free pasta to suit your needs.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.

Don’t be afraid to use what you have on hand—the magic is in the combination!

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Peppers

In a large, deep-sided skillet, toss in your ground Italian sausage and chopped bell peppers. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking up the sausage, until it’s browned and the peppers just start to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in your minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn!

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white cooking wine. Scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir. Simmer for a few minutes, letting the liquid reduce by half. The aroma at this stage is a little slice of heaven.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice and all, along with the dried basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer, marrying those flavors.

Step 5: Toss in Noodles

Add your cooked egg noodles to the sauce. Toss and fold everything together until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Dish up the noodles and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve right away while it’s steaming and irresistible.

How to Serve

Serve your Italian Drunken Noodles in big pasta bowls, letting the sauce pool around the noodles. Top with an extra scatter of cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for color. This dish pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Warm, crusty bread for mopping up all that sauce
• A glass of crisp white wine or your favorite sparkling water

For a fun, family-style vibe, place the skillet right in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze Italian Drunken Noodles! Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works for individual servings—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Note: For the best texture, try not to overheat so the noodles don’t turn mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Italian Drunken Noodles is the ultimate feel-good pasta dish that proves weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With just one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and a splash of wine, you can bring the lively spirit of Italian cooking to your kitchen—no fancy skills required. Whether it’s for a cozy family meal or to impress guests, this recipe is bound to find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you!

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