Description
Italian Drunken Noodles are a rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying dish. A generous splash of red wine simmers down into a velvety, herb-scented sauce that clings to wide egg noodles. Full of bold flavors from sausage, peppers, garlic, and fresh herbs, this one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or entertaining.
Introduction
This “drunken” noodle dish is comfort food with a little flair. The red wine reduction creates depth without overwhelming, while the sausage and vegetables make it hearty and flavorful. Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, it’s an impressive yet effortless meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, layered flavors: sausage, peppers, garlic, herbs, and wine
- One-pan simplicity with minimal cleanup
- Customizable: spicy, mild, veggie, or gluten-free
- Freezer-friendly sauce for future meals
- Pairs beautifully with crusty bread, green salad, or your favorite Chianti
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
The Soul of the Dish
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle; GF noodles work too)
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed, crumbled (hot or sweet)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper + 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- ½–¾ cup dry red wine (Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Upgrades
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (toast with sausage)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (stir in with garlic)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (added at the end)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Bring salted water to a boil. Cook noodles 7–9 mins (al dente).
- Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add crumbled sausage; cook 6–8 mins until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving ~1 tbsp.
- Add fennel seeds if using.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add onion and bell peppers; cook 6–8 mins until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in garlic (and tomato paste if using); cook 1 min until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in ½–¾ cup red wine; bubble vigorously 3–4 mins while scraping browned bits.
- Simmer until wine reduces by half.
5. Simmer the Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered 10–15 mins until slightly thickened. Adjust with sugar or balsamic if needed.
6. Toss & Warm Through
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet; toss gently 2–3 mins until coated and warmed.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Stir in fresh basil. Sprinkle Parmesan generously.
- Serve hot with crusty bread and optional drizzle of olive oil and extra black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm crusty bread for sauce-sopping
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Pair with Chianti, Barbera, or light Pinot Noir
- Add a wedge of aged Manchego or sharp cheddar for extra comfort
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip wine reduction; raw alcohol = harsh
- Undercook noodles slightly; they finish in the sauce
- Use a wine you’d drink
- Let rest 5 mins before serving
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge (with noodles): up to 3 days, reheat gently
- Freezer (sauce only): up to 3 months, thaw, reheat, add fresh noodles
- Make-ahead: Sauté sausage + veggies, simmer sauce, refrigerate up to 2 days
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sausage: Ground pork + fennel + red pepper flakes + oregano
- Wine: Chicken or vegetable broth + balsamic vinegar
- Noodles: Pappardelle, fettuccine, or GF noodles
- Bell peppers: Roasted red peppers (jarred)
Variations
- Add mushrooms or spinach
- Make vegetarian with plant-based sausage or lentils
- Adjust spice with chili flakes
Allergy Information
- Contains: eggs (noodles), dairy (Parmesan), wheat (noodles, sausage fillers)
- Gluten-free: use GF noodles + GF sausage
- Dairy-free: skip Parmesan or add nutritional yeast
Nutrition Facts (per serving — 6 servings)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
Conclusion
Italian Drunken Noodles transform ordinary ingredients into unforgettable comfort food. With tender noodles, rich wine sauce, and vibrant herbs, this dish fills the belly, the table, and the heart. Perfect for weeknights, special dinners, or sharing love through food.