If you’re a fan of easy, comforting meals with bold flavors, Italian Drunken Noodles might just become your next go-to recipe. This hearty one-pan dish blends the rich taste of Italian sausage, the sweetness of bell peppers, the freshness of basil, and the warmth of garlic, all tied together with tender pasta in a savory tomato-wine sauce. Despite its name, there’s no actual “noodle” tradition in Italy called drunken noodles — this dish is a fun Italian twist on the Thai classic, reimagined for Western comfort food lovers.
Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly satisfying and flavor-packed meal.
🍝 What Are Italian Drunken Noodles?
Think of it as a rustic Italian pasta dish with a saucy twist. The “drunken” part comes from the addition of white wine (sometimes red, depending on the recipe) that’s cooked into the sauce, enhancing its richness and adding depth. It’s typically made with pappardelle or wide egg noodles, but you can also use fettuccine or even tagliatelle.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves about 4–6 people and comes together in just 30–40 minutes.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
🔪 How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until they soften. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and let everything simmer together for 5–10 minutes.
Step 6: Toss in the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the pan, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss everything together until well coated.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Plate it up and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: Wine, garlic, sausage, and basil = irresistible.
- Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, crushed red pepper, or switch to chicken or plant-based sausage.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: A fusion dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
🍷 Pairing Suggestion
Since the dish includes white wine in the sauce, serve it with the same wine you used for cooking — something dry and crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Chianti also pairs beautifully.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Italian Drunken Noodles make amazing leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for the family, date night, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, Italian Drunken Noodles deliver big flavor without a lot of fuss. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took hours but really comes together in under 40 minutes. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy this vibrant, saucy pasta that’s anything but ordinary.
Let me know if you want this turned into a printable recipe card, a social media caption, or adapted to fit a gluten-free, vegetarian, or low-carb diet!
