Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Description

Italian Drunken Noodles is a bold, hearty pasta dish inspired by the fusion of Italian flavors with a playful twist on the Thai drunken noodle concept. Instead of soy sauce and basil, this version uses Italian sausage, bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a splash of red wine for depth and richness. It’s rustic, cozy, and perfect for a comforting dinner with a glass of wine on the side.

Ingredients For Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

• 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles (or pappardelle)

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• ½ cup dry red wine

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

   • In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

4. Deglaze with Wine

   • Pour in the red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

   • Stir in cherry (or canned) tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Combine Everything

   • Return sausage to the skillet. Toss in the cooked noodles. Mix until well coated and heated through.

7. Finish with Fresh Herbs

   • Add basil and parsley just before serving.

8. Serve

   • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Servings

• Serves: 4 generous portions

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Sodium: 890 mg

Notes

• Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a kick.

• Egg noodles are traditional here, but pappardelle or tagliatelle work beautifully.

• If you don’t cook with wine, substitute with low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

• Fresh herbs at the end make the dish pop — don’t skip them!

 Tips

• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and add to the skillet if the dish seems too dry.

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for a sweet, juicy burst.

• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

• Leftovers reheat well — add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the pasta.

 Health Benefits

• Tomatoes & bell peppers provide Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

• Basil & parsley add anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

• Protein-rich sausage keeps you full and energized.

• Whole, fresh ingredients make this a more wholesome comfort meal compared to heavy cream-based pastas.

Q & A

Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.

Q2: What’s the best wine to use?
A dry red like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works perfectly.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead. Cook pasta fresh and toss before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
Yes, the sauce (without pasta) freezes well for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Q5: What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad pair beautifully.