How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles is a rich and flavorful pasta dish inspired by classic Italian ingredients and Mediterranean cooking traditions. This hearty recipe combines spicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh herbs, and wide pappardelle noodles tossed in a wine-infused tomato sauce. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy yet elegant dinner idea with authentic Italian flavors.

Ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 links spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• ½ cup white wine (such as Chardonnay)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14 oz)
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned and divided
• 8 oz uncooked pappardelle noodles

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large braising pot or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Crumble the spicy Italian sausage into chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion to the pan with the sausage drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add a little more olive oil if needed.
4. Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and cracked black pepper. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine and allow it to reduce almost completely.
6. Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
7. Add chopped parsley and half of the julienned basil. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil for a rich and velvety finish. Keep warm while preparing the noodles.
8. Cook the pappardelle noodles according to package directions. Drain and add them directly to the sauce. Toss gently with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Divide the Italian Drunken Noodles evenly among plates. Top with the remaining julienned basil for freshness. For extra flavor, add shaved Parmesan cheese and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that can be prepared at home in under an hour. It is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special gatherings. The combination of spicy sausage, tender pappardelle, and a wine-based tomato sauce creates layers of flavor that pair beautifully with a glass of white or red wine.