Italian Drunken Noodles

🍝 Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles are a bold, comforting pasta dish made with wide noodles, Italian sausage, colorful peppers, garlic, and a rich sauce flavored with wine and herbs. The “drunken” part comes from the wine that adds deep flavor to the sauce.

⏱ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: ~40 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

🧾 Ingredients

• 12 oz wide pasta noodles (pappardelle or fettuccine)

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½–¾ cup dry white wine

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Brown the Sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.

3. Cook Vegetables
   Add onion and bell peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly soft.
   Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Deglaze with Wine
   Pour in the white wine and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Make the Sauce
   Add crushed tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
   Simmer 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Combine Pasta
   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together.
   Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Finish
   Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Serve
   Serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil on top.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days

• Reheat: Add a splash of water or broth and warm on the stove or microwave.

⭐ Tips

• Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

• Substitute red wine for a deeper flavor.

• Add mushrooms or spinach for more vegetables.

❓ Q&A

Q: Why are they called “drunken noodles”?
The wine used in the sauce creates a rich flavor—most of the alcohol cooks off during simmering.

Q: Can I make it without wine?
Yes. Substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Q: What pasta works best?
Wide noodles like pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine hold the sauce best.