Italian Drunken Noodles: A Bold and Flavorful Pasta Dish

Let’s be real—pasta is life. And when you mix Italian comfort food with a splash of something boozy, you get a recipe that’s downright irresistible. That’s where Italian Drunken Noodles come in. It’s got everything: wide noodles, juicy sausage, fresh veggies, and a little wine to tie it all together. This dish feels like something you’d get at a cozy Italian bistro, but trust me, you can whip it up in your kitchen without breaking a sweat.

What Are Italian Drunken Noodles?

First, let’s clear up any confusion. This isn’t your classic Thai drunken noodles (though those are amazing, too). Italian Drunken Noodles take the idea of hearty, saucy noodles and give it an Italian twist. Instead of Asian spices, you’ve got a tomato-based sauce with garlic, basil, and a kick of red wine. The wine isn’t just for show—it adds depth and richness to the sauce.

If you’re looking for more ideas to make lunchtime exciting, don’t miss the rest of my Lunch recipes! From quick, satisfying meals to comforting favorites, you’ll find plenty of dishes that are just as delicious and easy as these Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this magical dish:

• Pappardelle pasta (or any wide noodle)
• Italian sausage (spicy or sweet—your call)
• Red bell peppers and onions (sliced nice and thin)
• Garlic (because no good Italian dish skips it)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Dry red wine (like a Cabernet or Merlot)
• Fresh basil (you’ll want a lot—trust me)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Let’s break it down step by step:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pappardelle (or whatever pasta you’re using) until it’s al dente. Don’t overcook it—nobody likes mushy noodles. Drain it, but save a little pasta water for later.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, then set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Throw in your sliced bell peppers and onions, and cook until they’re soft and starting to caramelize. Add the garlic and cook for another minute—just until it smells amazing.

Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for a couple of minutes. This step is where the magic happens—the wine adds so much flavor!

Make the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, then toss the sausage back in. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can blend.

Combine It All

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. If it’s a little too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Sprinkle in fresh basil and give it one last stir.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Drunken Noodles

Serve your Italian Drunken Noodles in big bowls, topped with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese and maybe a little extra basil for color. If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a glass of the same red wine you used in the sauce.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Wine: Go for a dry red wine you’d actually drink. The better the wine, the better the sauce.
• Don’t Skimp on Basil: Fresh basil makes all the difference—it adds a bright, herby kick.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This dish is comfort food at its finest—rich, saucy, and full of bold flavors. Plus, it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. So, grab a bottle of wine and get cooking. You won’t regret it!

Want to make sure your pasta turns out perfect every time? Check out these Simple Tips for Cooking Pasta to Perfection for easy tricks to nail that al dente texture and avoid common mistakes.

FAQs About Italian Drunken Noodles