Here’s a bold and savory recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles — a delicious mash-up inspired by Thai drunken noodles but made with Italian flavors and ingredients. It’s saucy, spicy, and loaded with peppers, onions, Italian sausage, and wide noodles.
🍝 Italian Drunken Noodles
🍷 Serves: 4–6
⏱️ Ready in: 35–40 minutes
✅ Ingredients:
-
12 oz pappardelle (or fettuccine or tagliatelle)
-
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, removed from casing)
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
-
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
¾ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
-
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
-
Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
-
Cook pappardelle in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the Sausage:
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high.
-
Add sausage and break it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through.
-
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
-
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
-
Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft and slightly caramelized (about 6–8 minutes).
-
Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1–2 minutes more.
4. Deglaze & Simmer:
-
Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan.
-
Let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
-
Add diced tomatoes and return sausage to the skillet. Simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine with Pasta:
-
Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
-
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
-
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and lots of Parmesan.
🧀 Serving Suggestions:
-
Serve with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
-
Pairs perfectly with a glass of the white wine used in cooking.
🔁 Make It Your Way:
-
Swap sausage: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
-
No wine? Use chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar.
-
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color.