If you’ve never tried Italian Drunken Noodles, you’re in for a mouthwatering treat! This dish is an absolute showstopper: it brings together silky egg noodles, juicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, zesty herbs, and a splash of dry white wine for an unforgettable fusion of classic Italian and robust, comforting flavors. Every bite is a lively mix of color, aroma, and soul-warming goodness, making it a perfect pick-me-up on any busy weeknight or when you’re craving pasta with personality. Once you taste it, Italian Drunken Noodles will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients list is—each element truly earns its place, from the heartiness of the sausage to the fresh brightness of parsley. Pay attention to the quality of your wine and sausage: these essentials give Italian Drunken Noodles their bold and memorable punch!

Egg Noodles (12 oz): Wide egg noodles soak up all the saucy flavor and give the dish its signature, chewy comfort.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the sausage and veggies, and adding a subtle fruity richness.
Italian Sausage (1 lb, casings removed): Pick mild or hot—either way, this brings protein and plenty of robust flavor.
Yellow Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth that balances the peppers and sausage.
Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): A pop of color and natural sweetness with every bite.
Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Adds vibrant color and a gentle crunch for a beautiful, tasty result.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because no great Italian-inspired dish is complete without it!
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This dry blend delivers those familiar, herby Mediterranean aromas.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Amp up the heat if you’re a fan of a little spicy kick.
Dry White Wine (½ cup): Use a wine you’d happily sip—a splash adds depth and balances the meatiness of the sausage.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): For juiciness, slight acidity, and a rustic, hearty sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Tailor the seasoning to your personal preference at the very end.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (¼ cup): Delivers a burst of freshness and a gorgeous finish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, optional): Add if you love a nutty, savory flourish on top.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles just until al dente, as you want them to hold up in the sauce. Give them a quick drain and set aside—don’t worry if they look a bit sticky, they’ll soon be bathed in deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Grab your favorite large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high. Add in the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until there’s no more pink and the edges start to caramelize for extra flavor. Scoop the browned sausage out with a slotted spoon and keep it handy for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Without cleaning out the skillet (that’s where the flavor lives!), toss in your sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and starting to caramelize. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and, if you’re in the mood for heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Sauté just until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Now comes the “drunken” twist! Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, using your spoon to scrape up all those browned sausage and veggie bits on the bottom of the skillet. This step infuses the entire dish with a heady, nuanced flavor that sets Italian Drunken Noodles apart.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in your undrained diced tomatoes to add rustic body and bright tomato flavor. Slide the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stir, and let everything simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, and all the flavors will come together into one lush, aromatic mixture.

Step 6: Toss with Noodles

Add the cooked egg noodles into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated with that herby, sausage-studded sauce. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, shower the entire skillet with fresh parsley and, if your heart desires, a generous handful of grated Parmesan. The result? An irresistible plate of Italian Drunken Noodles that’s bursting with color, confidence, and comfort.

How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles

Garnishes

For beautiful presentation and a final flavor kick, garnish your Italian Drunken Noodles with extra chopped parsley and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. If you like things a little zestier, a small shake of red pepper flakes on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

These noodles are a meal in themselves, but feel free to pair them with a crisp green salad or a loaf of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. A light Italian red wine or sparkling water rounds out the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Italian Drunken Noodles in big family-style bowls for a rustic vibe, or try plating individual servings with a swirl of noodles and piled veggies and sausage on top. For parties, present it in mini ramekins so guests can mingle with ease and enjoy a taste of something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Italian Drunken Noodles will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a great option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Portion cooled Italian Drunken Noodles into freezer-safe containers. They’ll hold up nicely for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders, but for the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. This revives the sauce and keeps the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your taste or dietary preferences. If you go spicy, the flavors will still shine in these Italian Drunken Noodles.

Is there a substitute for white wine?

Yes, you can replace the white wine with chicken broth or even vegetable broth. While the wine lends a sophisticated touch, broth makes a perfectly delicious and family-friendly version of Italian Drunken Noodles.

Will gluten-free noodles work?

Of course! Just cook your favorite gluten-free wide noodles according to the package instructions. Be gentle when tossing with sauce, as some gluten-free noodles can be more delicate than egg noodles but Italian Drunken Noodles will still be just as delightful.

How spicy are Italian Drunken Noodles?

That’s totally up to you. The red pepper flakes are optional, and you can use mild or hot Italian sausage to tailor the spice level. Either way, the dish is flavorful and lively without being overwhelmingly hot.

Can I make Italian Drunken Noodles ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors actually deepen and mingle when made ahead. Store cooked noodles and sauce separately if possible to avoid any sogginess, then combine and reheat right before serving for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting dish that comes together quickly and wows everyone at the table, you can’t beat Italian Drunken Noodles. Give this vibrant, saucy pasta a try—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) will thank you!

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish featuring wide egg noodles, Italian sausage, bell peppers, and a splash of white wine. This one-pan meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a touch of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Italian Drunken Noodles:

12 oz wide egg noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
1 small yellow onion (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup dry white wine
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook Italian sausage until browned, then set aside.
Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, cook onion, bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Deglaze with wine: Add white wine, simmer, then add diced tomatoes and cooked sausage back to the skillet.
Combine and season: Add cooked noodles to the skillet, toss to coat, season with salt and pepper.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan before serving, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American