Description
Italian Drunken Noodles is a bold, savory, one-pan pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, sweet peppers, wide pappardelle noodles, and a rich tomato-wine sauce finished with cream. The white wine gives the dish its “drunken” name and adds incredible depth and aroma. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Introduction
This hearty Italian Drunken Noodles recipe brings together the warmth of Italian comfort food and the brightness of a wine-infused sauce. The dish is loaded with sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, Italian sausage, and wide pasta ribbons that soak up every drop of the creamy tomato and wine reduction. The result is a deeply flavorful, aromatic pasta that tastes restaurant-quality while remaining simple enough for a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You get tender pasta coated in a creamy, wine-enhanced tomato sauce.
It uses simple, accessible ingredients with big flavor payoff.
Everything cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup.
The balance of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and savory wine creates a rich, layered taste.
It’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Components
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz (340g) pappardelle pasta
Fresh basil or parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
For the Drunken Sauce
1 cup dry white wine
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
Equipment
Large pot
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
Tongs
Colander
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, break it into pieces, and cook 6–8 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add onions and peppers to the skillet and cook 6–7 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 1 more minute.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the wine, scrape up browned bits, and reduce for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes and cooked sausage back to the pan. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Boil the Pasta
Cook pappardelle in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Stir in cream and butter until smooth. Add pasta to the sauce and toss. Add pasta water if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with basil or parsley and Parmesan.
Variations
Use spicy sausage for heat.
Swap white wine for red wine.
Add mushrooms for depth.
Add spinach or kale.
Use ground turkey instead of sausage.
Tips for the Best Results
Slightly undercook pasta for perfect texture.
Reduce the wine properly.
Season generously.
Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.
Not ideal for freezing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread.
Pair with a fresh green salad.
Great with sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine alternatives.
FAQs
Can I make this without wine?
Yes. Use chicken broth + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes. Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne all work.
Is it spicy?
Only if you use hot sausage or red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare it ahead?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and add fresh pasta before serving.
Conclusion
Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful, comforting pasta dish enriched with a wine-infused sauce, tender vegetables, and hearty sausage. With its rich aroma, creamy texture, and simple preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for cozy dinners or special occasions. Enjoy a bowl of pasta that feels both indulgent and effortless.