Introduction
Italian Drunken Noodles is a comforting, rustic one-pan pasta inspired by both Italian and Thai flavor traditions. Wide noodles are tossed with Italian sausage, tomatoes, peppers, wine, herbs, and aromatics to create a bold, deeply savory dish that comes together quickly on a busy night.
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Description
The dish gets its name from the splash of wine used to deglaze the pan, creating a rich, silky sauce that clings to every noodle. The combination of garlic, basil, crushed tomatoes, and spicy sausage makes it hearty and full of layered flavor without requiring long cooking. It’s satisfying enough for weekend entertaining yet fast enough for a weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients
Serves 4
12 ounces wide egg noodles or pappardelle
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1 cup dry white wine or dry red wine
1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Instructions
1. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
3. Add the sliced onion and both peppers. Cook until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping up any browned bits. Allow it to reduce by about half.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve hot.
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Tips
Use spicy Italian sausage if you want extra heat.
Wide noodles work best because they hold the sauce well.
If you prefer a lighter dish, use chicken sausage.
Allow the wine to reduce properly to prevent the sauce from tasting too sharp.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens more than you like.
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Variations
Substitute wine with low-sodium chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Add a handful of spinach near the end for extra greens.
Swap crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes if you want more texture.
Use zucchini or mushrooms in place of peppers for a different vegetable base.
Add parmesan cheese for extra richness.
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Correction
If you originally typed the title with formatting issues, the corrected version is: Italian Drunken Noodles: A Hearty & Flavorful One-Pan Meal
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Enjoy
Serve this dish immediately while warm, allowing the noodles to fully absorb the flavorful sauce. It’s a satisfying, bold meal that brings comfort and depth with minimal effort. Enjoy your Italian Drunken Noodles.