Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Irresistible Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe: A Zesty Homemade Gem

Culinary magic happens when you explore these vibrant Italian drunken noodles bursting with unexpected flavors.

Aromatic herbs and spicy sausage create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Passionate home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that originated in thailand.

Ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Peppers and basil add a zesty kick that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Cooking becomes pure joy when you master these mouthwatering noodles that spark conversation and delight.

Let’s uncover the secret to making this irresistible recipe that will become your new favorite weeknight sensation.

Italian Drunken Noodles: A Saucy Pasta Escape

  • Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe transforms a simple meal into a flavor-packed adventure with bold Italian sausage and vibrant bell peppers.
  • Master One-Pot Convenience: Prepare an entire delicious meal in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit your personal taste preferences.
  • Impress Without Stress: Deliver restaurant-quality flavors at home with straightforward ingredients and simple cooking techniques that guarantee a delicious outcome every time.

What Goes in Italian Drunken Noodles

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a rich and hearty base for the dish.
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this delicious Italian-inspired recipe.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch to the noodle dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil: Herbs and spices that create a robust and authentic Italian flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
  • White Cooking Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce, creating a rich and aromatic base.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and a tangy flavor to the noodle mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Garnishes that add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal to the completed dish.

How to Master Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Brown Sausage And Peppers

Heat a large skillet over medium-high.

Crumble ground Italian sausage and chop bell peppers.

Cook until sausage turns golden brown and peppers start to soften, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Enhance With Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium.

Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a rich, fragrant scent.

Step 3: Deglaze With Wine

Pour white cooking wine into the skillet.

Let it simmer and reduce by half, creating a flavorful base that adds depth to the dish.

Step 4: Create Robust Sauce

Incorporate:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld and create a rich, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Marry Noodles With Sauce

Gently fold cooked egg noodles into the sausage and tomato mixture.

Ensure every strand is coated with the delicious sauce, heating everything evenly.

Step 6: Finish With Flourish

Sprinkle:
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley

Serve hot, letting the vibrant colors and enticing aromas invite everyone to the table.

Pasta Wisdom: Secrets from Nonna’s Kitchen

  • Stir frequently while cooking sausage to ensure even browning and prevent sticking or burning in the pan.
  • Watch the white wine closely when reducing, allowing it to simmer gently to concentrate flavors without evaporating completely.
  • Use fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant, aromatic taste that elevates the overall dish.
  • Avoid overcooking egg noodles; drain them just before they reach al dente to prevent mushiness when mixing with the sauce.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese right before serving to ensure maximum flavor and a light, fresh taste.

Make It Your Own: Noodle Variations

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms to create a meat-free alternative packed with robust taste.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized butternut squash or spaghetti squash instead of noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's authentic Italian essence.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat level and create a more intense flavor experience for spice lovers.

Plate Up Those Drunken Noodles

  • Flavor Party Platter: Serve this vibrant dish with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to each bite.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the noodles and sausage.
  • Wine Companion: Pour a glass of the same white wine used in cooking to enhance the meal's taste and create a harmonious dining experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh aroma.

Leftover Noodle Bliss—How to Store

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What makes this dish unique?

The combination of Italian sausage, white wine, and egg noodles creates a rich, flavorful meal that brings together classic Italian ingredients in a comforting one-pan recipe.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe uses ground Italian sausage which typically has a mild to moderate spice level. You can choose mild or hot sausage based on your preference for heat.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while the recipe calls for egg noodles, you can substitute with other pasta like penne, fettuccine, or linguine to suit your taste or what you have available.

  • What wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly. If you prefer, you can also use chicken broth as a non-alcoholic alternative.

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Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Italian drunken noodles bring bold Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with sausage, peppers, and al dente pasta. Savory ingredients meld into a robust dinner that delivers authentic Italian comfort straight to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground Italian sausage
  • 12 ounces (12 oz) egg noodles
  • 28 ounces (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 bell peppers (chopped)
  • 3 teaspoons (3 tsp) minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) dried basil

Seasonings and Garnishes:

  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup (12 cup) white cooking wine
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious skillet, sizzle ground Italian sausage and bell peppers over medium-high heat until meat browns and vegetables become tender, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, introduce minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  3. Deglaze the pan by pouring white cooking wine, allowing liquid to simmer and reduce by half, concentrating the savory essence.
  4. Incorporate diced tomatoes with their natural juices, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper, blending ingredients thoroughly to create a rich sauce.
  5. Gently fold cooked egg noodles into the sausage mixture, ensuring each strand is evenly coated and heated through, creating a harmonious combination of textures and flavors.
  6. Elevate the dish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley as a vibrant, elegant finishing touch before serving hot.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
  • Adjust wine quantity based on personal preference, using dry white wine for a more complex profile.
  • Ensure peppers are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Consider using fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant herbal note if available.
  • Opt for wide egg noodles or pappardelle to better absorb the rich, savory sauce.
  • Drain noodles slightly before adding to skillet, leaving a bit of pasta water to help sauce cling better.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice or chickpea pasta.
  • Lower sodium diets can use low-sodium sausage and reduce added salt to control overall salt content.
  • Vegetarian adaptation possible by replacing sausage with plant-based ground meat or mushroom crumbles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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