First off, thank you so much for stopping by — your love for hearty, flavor-packed recipes keeps this little kitchen bubbling with new ideas! If you’ve ever craved a comforting bowl of pasta that’s just a bit extra, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Italian Drunken Noodles. Picture tender egg noodles tossed with savory Italian sausage, sweet peppers, a splash of wine, and a rich tomato sauce — simple ingredients, big Italian flavors, and pure weeknight magic.
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Why You’ll Love Italian Drunken Noodles
This pasta is comfort food with a twist:
- One pan + one pot: Easy cleanup, more eating.
- Flavor explosion: Sausage, wine, tomatoes, herbs — every bite is layered and bold.
- Quick but impressive: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
What Do Drunken Noodles Taste Like?
These noodles are hearty, savory, and just a little bit indulgent. The wine-tomato sauce is rich but bright, the sausage adds a comforting savoriness, and the peppers bring a subtle sweetness and crunch. It’s like your favorite Italian pasta night — but with an extra splash of personality!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Cooks up quickly for a satisfying meal in no time.
- Feels special enough for guests, easy enough for any night.
- Even better the next day — hello, leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Egg noodles | 12 oz |
| Ground Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Bell peppers (any color) | 2, chopped |
| Minced garlic | 3 tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| White cooking wine | ½ cup |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 28 oz can |
| Dried basil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | For garnish |
| Fresh chopped parsley | For garnish |
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for noodles
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining noodles
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Use sweet or spicy sausage — both work beautifully.
- Try zucchini or mushrooms instead of peppers if you prefer.
- Sub red wine for a deeper, richer sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little kick!
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles
Boil egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks.
3️⃣ Add Veggies
Add chopped bell peppers to the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5️⃣ Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white cooking wine. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer until the wine reduces by half.
6️⃣ Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, add dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld all the flavors.
7️⃣ Toss & Serve
Fold the cooked noodles into the skillet, gently mixing until everything is coated and heated through.
8️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine and enjoy every twirl!
What to Serve With It
This pasta is a meal on its own, but here’s how to level up:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
- A fresh Caesar or simple mixed greens salad.
- A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Tips for Perfect Drunken Noodles
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts and flavors so much better than pre-grated.
- Keep the noodles al dente: They’ll soak up the sauce without getting mushy.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the wine reduce and the sauce cook down brings all the flavor!
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Cook the sauce and noodles separately. Combine when ready to serve so the noodles stay perfectly tender.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Is there a substitute for cooking wine?
Use dry white wine or chicken broth for a no-alcohol version.
Final Bite: Bring Italy to Your Table Tonight!
Hearty, saucy, and so satisfying — Italian Drunken Noodles prove that simple ingredients and a splash of wine can create something truly special. If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your delicious bowls! Leave a comment, pin it, or tag me on Pinterest — nothing makes my day like seeing what you’re cooking up.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 of 4)
Calories: ~550 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 52g | Fat: 24g
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