Italian Drunken Noodles: A Hearty & Flavorful One-Pan Meal

Italian Drunken Noodles: A Hearty & Flavorful One-Pan Meal

Italian Drunken Noodles are the perfect fusion of Italian comfort and bold flavors inspired by Thai drunken noodles. This dish combines tender pasta, juicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato-wine sauce—all simmered together in one pan. The result is a deeply satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready to impress anyone at the table.

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making this hearty dish from scratch.

🌿 Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4 servings:

• 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles or pappardelle
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (Chianti or Merlot works well)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

🍝 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
3. Drain the noodles, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta by a minute so it can finish cooking in the sauce later, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Sauté until browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes.
4. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Optional: If you like a little extra richness, leave a small amount of the sausage drippings in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

The colorful vegetables not only add brightness but also balance the richness of the sausage and sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan—scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

The red wine gives the sauce depth and complexity, while the tomatoes bring that classic Italian tang.

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