Italian Drunken Noodles: A Saucy, Comfort-Filled Twist on Pasta Night
"This Italian Drunken Noodle recipe isn’t just food—it’s comfort in a bowl. Bursting with rich flavors, it’s so irresistible that we can’t help but make a double batch every single time."
That says it all. If you’re craving a hearty pasta dish with bold flavors, soul-warming comfort, and just the right touch of indulgence, look no further than Italian Drunken Noodles. This dish blends the best of Italian and rustic, homestyle cooking—think wide ribbons of pasta bathed in a rich tomato-wine sauce, studded with spicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant herbs.
🍝 What Are Italian Drunken Noodles?
Despite the name, Italian Drunken Noodles don’t come from traditional Italian cuisine—but they feel like they should. Inspired by Thai drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao), this version swaps Asian flavors for Italian staples, like garlic, basil, Italian sausage, and red wine.
The “drunken” part? That’s thanks to the generous splash of red wine that deepens the flavor of the sauce and gives the dish its rich, slightly smoky aroma.
🍷 Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Comfort food with a kick – It’s cozy, spicy, and deeply flavorful.
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Quick and satisfying – On the table in about 30 minutes.
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Great for leftovers – Even better the next day.
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Customizable – Use hot or mild sausage, gluten-free noodles, or veggie alternatives.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
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12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
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1 medium onion, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup dry red wine
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
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Grated Parmesan, optional but delicious
👩🍳 How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, sauté onions and peppers until tender (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return sausage to the pan.
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Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.
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Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is coated and heated through.
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Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan if desired.
🥂 Pairing & Serving Ideas
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Wine pairing: A glass of the same dry red wine you used in the recipe—think Merlot, Chianti, or Zinfandel.
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Side dish: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends, Italian Drunken Noodles is the dish that keeps everyone coming back for more. With its bold flavors, easy prep, and unbeatable comfort, it’s no wonder this recipe earns a permanent spot in the weekly rotation.
Go ahead—make that double batch. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow.
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