Here’s a savory, satisfying recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles — a fun Italian-American twist on the classic Thai dish. Instead of rice noodles, this version uses pappardelle (or other wide pasta) and combines Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a white wine tomato sauce for a bold, comforting dish.
🍝 Italian Drunken Noodles
📝 Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
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12 oz pappardelle (or fettuccine, tagliatelle, or wide egg noodles)
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 yellow or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: Parmesan cheese, for topping
🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
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Cook pappardelle in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Brown the Sausage:
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In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
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Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
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In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed.
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Sauté onion and bell peppers until soft and lightly browned (about 5–7 minutes).
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Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
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Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
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Let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes & Simmer:
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Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), stir, and return sausage to the pan.
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Simmer everything together for 5–10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with Pasta:
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Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat well.
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If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
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Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
🍽️ To Serve:
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Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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Garnish with more basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
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Serve with crusty bread and a glass of the white wine you cooked with.
🔄 Variations:
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Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
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More Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream or tomato puree for a saucier version.
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Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
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Red wine: You can substitute dry red wine for a deeper, richer sauce.