Italian drunken noodle recipe

Here’s a flavorful twist on a classic: Italian Drunken Noodles — wide egg noodles tossed with Italian sausage, peppers, and onions in a bold tomato-wine sauce. Think of it as a rustic, spicy pasta skillet that’s both comforting and vibrant.

🇮🇹 Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle)

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)

• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage:

   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

   • Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Veggies:

   • In the same pan, add another tbsp of olive oil.

   • Add onions and bell peppers. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

   • Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1 more minute.

4. Deglaze and Simmer:

   • Pour in the white wine and scrape up browned bits from the pan.

   • Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until reduced by about half.

   • Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice and return sausage to the pan.

   • Simmer for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, until slightly thickened.

5. Combine with Noodles:

   • Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

🍷 Notes & Tips:

• The “drunken” part comes from the wine — don’t skip it!

• Use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.

• Want it spicier? Use hot Italian sausage and more red pepper flakes.

• For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream at the end.