italian drunken noodles

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
4. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

1. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — these carry deep flavor.
2. Let the wine simmer for about 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

1. Add the cherry tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) to the skillet.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
3. Season with a little salt and black pepper.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
2. Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every noodle.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
2. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Bold yet balanced flavors — sweet peppers, savory sausage, herby sauce, and the light tang of wine.
• Fusion appeal — a pasta dish with the personality of a stir-fry.
• Quick and easy — ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
• Extra Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and increase crushed red pepper flakes.
• Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a weeknight hero — colorful, comforting, and brimming with flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make once and find yourself craving again and again.

If you want, I can also make you a shorter, restaurant-style description of Italian Drunken Noodles so it sounds irresistible on a menu. That way, it feels like a dish people have to order.