Italian Drunken Noodles – A Flavorful Family Favorite

If you love bold flavors, hearty pasta, and a dish that comes together quickly, then Italian Drunken Noodles is a must-try recipe! This dish is a delightful fusion of Italian and Thai cuisine, combining wide pasta noodles, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato and wine-infused sauce.

In our family, this has been a go-to recipe for years because it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and satisfying. In fact, we love it so much that we always double the batch—because leftovers taste even better!

Let’s dive into the step-by-step method to create this irresistible dish.

🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

✔ 12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine noodles
✔ 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

✔ 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✔ 1 small onion, thinly sliced
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
✔ 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
✔ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
✔ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✔ ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
✔ 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnishing:

✔ ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
✔ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
✔ Extra crushed red pepper flakes (if desired)

🍽 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

✅ Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
✅ Add the pappardelle or fettuccine noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
✅ Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

✅ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
✅ Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula.
✅ Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
✅ Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

✅ In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
✅ Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
✅ Stir in the garlic, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
✅ Sauté for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

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