ITALIAN DRUNKEN NOODLES

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and the bold punch of red wine, then Italian Drunken Noodles should be at the top of your list. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s packed with layers of flavor. Picture a quiet night at home, the aroma of sizzling sausage filling the kitchen, and a steaming bowl of pasta awaiting you at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, this dish brings the perfect balance of warmth, spice, and comfort.

The name “drunken noodles” might make you think of a zesty Asian-style stir-fry, but this version takes a distinct Italian twist. With a rich sauce made of tomatoes, red wine, and Italian sausage, it’s a dish that delivers depth and complexity while remaining simple to prepare. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will soon become one of your go-to meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of ingredients in this Italian Drunken Noodles recipe creates a dish that is both indulgent and comforting, perfect for any occasion. The wide pappardelle pasta soaks up the rich, flavorful sauce, while the sausage adds a savory depth, and the bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and crunch. The red wine intensifies the flavors, giving the sauce a luxurious, slightly tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the slight heat from the red pepper flakes. This dish offers a beautiful mix of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

Here’s why this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen:

• Quick & Easy: In less than 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal without the stress.
• Flavorful & Hearty: The sausage and wine sauce provide a bold base that perfectly complements the noodles.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes or add extra vegetables to make the dish your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few people, this recipe serves a satisfying portion.

Ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry—most of these are staples in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store.

Pasta

• 8 oz wide pappardelle noodles: This type of pasta is ideal for soaking up all the delicious sauce. You can use any wide noodle, but pappardelle works best for its thick, flat texture.

Sausage & Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and veggies.
• 1 lb Italian sausage: Be sure to remove the casing and crumble the sausage as it cooks for a great texture. You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green, sliced): Sweet bell peppers bring color and freshness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must in Italian cooking, giving the dish an aromatic base.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds the right amount of spice to balance the dish.

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice: Provides the tangy, juicy base for the sauce.
• 1/2 cup red wine: A key ingredient for depth, richness, and that signature “drunken” flavor. Choose a dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The classic Italian herb mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds a fragrant, herby flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To bring everything together and enhance the flavors.

For Garnish

• Fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal finish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A must for topping the noodles, giving the dish that rich, umami flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Drunken Noodles

Let’s dive right into the recipe! Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.

1. Cook the Pappardelle Noodles

Start by cooking the pappardelle noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them until they are al dente, meaning they should have a slight bite to them. Once they are done, drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (with the casing removed) and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Keep cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. This step infuses the oil with the savory flavors of the sausage, creating a rich base for the sauce.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Once the sausage is browned, add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. The combination of sausage, onion, and bell peppers creates a beautifully fragrant foundation for the sauce.

4. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Now, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its natural oils. The red pepper flakes will add a delightful level of heat to the dish—feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

5. Pour in Tomatoes and Red Wine

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the red wine to the skillet. The wine not only deglazes the pan, lifting up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, but also adds a rich, slightly tangy element to the sauce. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

6. Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken, and the flavors will meld together, creating a robust and deeply flavorful base for the noodles.

7. Toss the Noodles

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, add the cooked pappardelle noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are evenly coated with the rich sauce. Allow the noodles to heat through and absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes.

8. Garnish and Serve

Finally, serve the Italian drunken noodles in individual bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a creamy, nutty finish that complements the boldness of the sausage and wine sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider adding a few side dishes:

• Garlic bread: Nothing complements a hearty pasta dish better than warm, buttery garlic bread. Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the noodles.
• Wine pairing: Since this dish contains red wine in the sauce, serve it with a glass of the same red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles

To ensure you make the best Italian Drunken Noodles, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use high-quality sausage: The sausage is the star of this dish, so choose a high-quality Italian sausage. Fresh sausage will provide the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: The noodles should be al dente, as they will continue cooking when added to the sauce. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their texture.
• Adjust the spice: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Vegetable variations: While bell peppers add color and sweetness, you can also experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.

Why You Should Make Italian Drunken Noodles Tonight

This recipe brings the essence of Italian comfort food to your table in less than 30 minutes. The combination of savory sausage, tangy red wine, and sweet bell peppers creates a bold and satisfying sauce that perfectly coats the wide pappardelle noodles. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, a family meal, or a fun weeknight dinner, Italian Drunken Noodles are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Next time you’re craving a pasta dish that’s rich in flavor, filling, and easy to prepare, look no further than this delicious, hearty dish. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you do!

Enjoy!

ITALIAN DRUNKEN NOODLES

---

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A flavorful and hearty dish featuring savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich red wine tomato sauce, all served over wide pappardelle noodles. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz wide pappardelle noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the pappardelle noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and red wine. Add Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine and heat through.
8. Serve the noodles garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• You can use any wide pasta, but pappardelle works best to absorb the sauce.
• For a richer flavor, opt for a dry red wine like Merlot or Chianti.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes