Italian Drunken Noodles is a hearty, flavorful fusion dish — inspired by Thai “Drunken Noodles” but with Italian ingredients. It’s made with wide noodles, spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, all simmered with a splash of wine (the “drunken” part!). Fast, comforting, and super satisfying.
🍝 Italian Drunken Noodles
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: ~40 mins
🧾 Ingredients:
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12 oz (340 g) pappardelle or wide egg noodles
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1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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1 medium yellow onion, sliced
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1–2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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½ cup white or red wine (dry)
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1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, with juice
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
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Freshly grated Parmesan, for topping (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
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Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss lightly with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
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In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high.
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Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Transfer to a plate and drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
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In the same pan, add another tbsp olive oil.
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Sauté onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 more minute.
4. Deglaze & Simmer:
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Add wine and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
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Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.
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Return the sausage to the pan. Simmer everything together for 5–10 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
5. Combine:
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Add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss to coat.
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Cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish & Serve:
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Sprinkle with fresh herbs and Parmesan (if using).
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Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
🍷 What wine to use?
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White wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (brighter flavor)
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Red wine: Chianti or dry Merlot (richer depth)