Italian Drunken Noodles

 

🇮🇹🍷 Italian Drunken Noodles: A Comfort Food Twist with a Kick

If you're a fan of bold flavors, hearty pasta dishes, and a splash of wine in your sauce (and maybe in your glass too), then Italian Drunken Noodles are about to become your new favorite dinner.

Inspired by the Thai dish of the same name but given a rustic Italian makeover, this recipe is packed with spicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, garlic, fresh herbs, and — yes — a generous pour of wine to bring it all together. Tossed with wide, ribbon-like noodles, it’s comfort food with attitude.

It’s like a pasta party in a pan — and everyone’s invited.

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🍝 What Are Italian Drunken Noodles?

Don’t let the name fool you — there's nothing particularly Thai about this version. This Italian-inspired twist on the classic "drunken noodles" swaps out soy and basil for Chianti and oregano, creating a savory, slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties.

The “drunken” part? That comes from the wine used to deglaze the pan and enrich the sauce — adding depth, richness, and a little fun to every bite.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup dry red wine (Chianti, Merlot, or your favorite)

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained slightly

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles

Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Add sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil.

4. Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Add Tomatoes & Simmer

Stir in the diced tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors.

6. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve Hot

Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread — and maybe a glass of that leftover wine.

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🍷 Tips & Variations

• Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.

• Add spinach or kale for extra greens.

• Try white wine instead of red for a brighter, lighter flavor.

• Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone to the sauce before tossing with noodles.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Italian Drunken Noodles are the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and totally doable. It’s rich, hearty, and brimming with flavor — yet comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little fuss.

So pour a glass, grab a fork, and get ready to twirl your way to pasta heaven.

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🍝 One bite in, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this sooner.