Italian Drunken Noodles is the ultimate mash-up of Italian flair and Thai-inspired boldness. Imagine wide ribbons of tender pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a splash of white wine — all simmered together in a fragrant sauce that clings to every bite.
This dish is bold, aromatic, and ready in under 40 minutes — the perfect weeknight dinner with restaurant-quality flavor. The “drunken” part comes from the white wine used to deglaze the pan and bring depth to the sauce, giving it that irresistible richness.
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
👩🍳 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 or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. - Sauté the veggies
In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook another minute until fragrant. - Deglaze with wine
Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. - Add tomatoes and sausage
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and return the cooked sausage to the pan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Toss with noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in fresh basil just before serving. - Serve hot
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and more basil, if desired.
🍽 Nutrition Information (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
Nutrition values may vary based on sausage type and wine choice.
✅ Tips & Tricks
- Use spicy sausage for extra kick, or sweet sausage for a milder taste.
- Wine substitute: If you don’t cook with alcohol, use low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage ingredients.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition.
- Meal prep tip: This reheats well — store in airtight containers and enjoy for lunch the next day.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Pair your Italian Drunken Noodles with:
- A crisp arugula salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of the same wine used in the sauce
It’s rich, savory, and balanced — a satisfying one-pan dinner.
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