The Best Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe: Quick & Flavorful Magic

Italian drunken noodles burst with vibrant, unexpected flavor combinations that revolutionize ordinary pasta into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Robust ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that tantalizes your palate.

Wine-soaked sauce weaves through wide, tender noodles, infusing each bite with rich complexity.

Spicy sausage and colorful bell peppers add depth and excitement to this rustic dish.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate the entire composition beyond traditional pasta preparations.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts alike will find themselves captivated by its bold character and comforting essence.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that promises pure gastronomic pleasure.

Why Italian Drunken Noodles Deserve a Spot in Your Rotation

• Savor Bold Flavor Combinations: Packed with spicy Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and rich white wine, this dish delivers an explosive taste profile that dances across your palate with every delicious bite.
• Enjoy Effortless Gourmet Cooking: Requiring just one pan and simple ingredients, this recipe transforms basic cooking into a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes impressively complex without demanding advanced culinary skills.
• Create Quick Weeknight Comfort: Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty pasta provides a satisfying meal perfect for busy families or spontaneous dinner gatherings, offering maximum flavor with minimal preparation time.
• Experience Texture-Rich Dining: Featuring tender pappardelle noodles coated in a robust sauce with crispy sausage and soft bell peppers, each forkful offers a delightful mix of textures that keeps every bite interesting and enjoyable.

Ingredients That Bring Italian Drunken Noodles to Life

• Pappardelle: Wide, ribbon-like pasta perfect for holding rich, hearty sauces and absorbing flavors.

• Italian Sausage: Flavorful, spiced meat that adds depth and richness to the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality sausage for best results.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Aromatic base that provides sweetness and texture to the sauce. Select fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall taste and adds complexity to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of herbs and spices that create a traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aromatic freshness to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop flavors during cooking. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
• White Wine: Deglazes the pan and adds depth to the sauce. Select a dry white wine for optimal results.
• Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce. Ripe, quality tomatoes are key.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish to the dish. Freshly grated is always best.

How to Cook Italian Drunken Noodles Just Right

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pappardelle noodles according to package instructions. Drain and keep warm in a covered bowl.

Step 2: Brown Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper

Cook until onions turn golden and translucent.

Step 4: Add Colorful Peppers

Toss in bell peppers and cook until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Cooked sausage

Simmer the sauce until it starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley
• Half of the fresh basil

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the warm pappardelle noodles with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

• Remaining fresh basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Additional olive oil drizzle

Tips to Get Bold Flavor in Italian Drunken Noodles

• Choose Quality Sausage: Select fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
• Control Wine Temperature: Use room-temperature white wine to deglaze the pan smoothly and prevent rapid temperature drops.
• Slice Vegetables Consistently: Cut bell peppers and onions into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and balanced texture.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta cooking water to help sauce adhere better and create a silkier consistency if needed.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Add fresh basil and parsley at the end to maintain vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils.

Reheating Italian Drunken Noodles Without Overcooking

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Italian Drunken Noodles into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerator odors from affecting the dish.
• Microwave Reheating: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop heating once the dish is steaming hot throughout.
• Stovetop Refresh: Warm noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Best Wine or Breads to Pair with Italian Drunken Noodles

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich sausage and vibrant tomato sauce, enhancing the dish's hearty Mediterranean flavors.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted ciabatta or rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crispy textural contrast to the soft pappardelle noodles.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish, adding a zesty and refreshing element that balances the heavy pasta.
• Finish with Creamy Tiramisu: End the meal with this classic Italian dessert, whose coffee and mascarpone notes will beautifully round out the savory, wine-infused pasta experience.

Flavor Twists for Italian Drunken Noodles You’ll Crave

• Spicy Sausage Kick: Replace mild sausage with hot Italian sausage for a zesty flavor profile. Add red pepper flakes to intensify the heat and create a more bold dining experience.
• Vegetarian Wonder: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of wine to maintain rich depth and umami flavors.
• Seafood Fusion: Substitute sausage with shrimp or scallops for a lighter protein option. Add a splash of lemon juice and use white wine to complement the seafood's delicate taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pappardelle or zucchini noodles as a base. Ensure all ingredients like sausage and seasonings are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Italian drunken noodles dance with bold flavors from Tuscany, blending sausage, peppers, and herbs in a saucy celebration. Delicious pasta lovers will savor this zesty dish that brings Mediterranean passion directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pappardelle or egg noodles
• 4 hot Italian sausage links (casings removed)
• 1 28 ounces (794 grams) can diced tomatoes in juice

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 orange bell pepper, sliced thin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• ¼ cup white wine (e.g., Chardonnay)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ¼ cup julienned fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare pappardelle noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they are cooked al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and maintain warmth.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, adding a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil. Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, browning meat until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings in the skillet.
4. Introduce diced onions to the pan, sautéing until they become translucent and develop a golden-brown edge. Sprinkle with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning blend.
5. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
6. Deglaze the skillet with a generous splash of dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to intensify the sauce’s depth.
7. Pour in crushed san marzano tomatoes and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, thickening for approximately 10-12 minutes.
8. Finish the sauce by stirring in freshly chopped parsley and half of the torn basil leaves, creating a vibrant herb-infused mixture.
9. Gently fold the warm pappardelle noodles into the sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
10. Plate the noodles, garnishing with remaining fresh basil leaves, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• Bold flavors burst from this wine-infused pasta dish, capturing the essence of rustic Italian cooking.
• Hearty sausage and vibrant vegetables create a robust sauce that clings perfectly to wide pappardelle noodles.
• Deglazing with white wine adds depth and complexity, releasing delicious caramelized bits from the pan.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and basil provide a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire meal.
• Adaptable recipe works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings with friends and family.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg