Picture this: silky, wide noodles bathed in a luscious, flavorful sauce, studded with vibrant veggies and perfectly spiced Italian sausage. Italian Drunken Noodles are not just a meal—they’re an experience. The rich aroma of garlic, basil, and a hint of wine wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one—it’s bold, cozy, and downright irresistible. So grab your favorite glass of wine (yes, even to sip while cooking), and let’s create some magic!
Why You’ll Love Italian Drunken Noodles
- Bursting with Flavor: This dish combines the savory depth of Italian sausage, the brightness of fresh basil, and the richness of a red wine-infused sauce.
- Comfort Meets Elegance: It’s fancy enough for date night but cozy enough to enjoy on a lazy Sunday.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or use a different protein—it’s endlessly adaptable.
- Weeknight-Friendly: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect even when you’re short on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or foodies, this dish satisfies all palates.

Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Ingredients in Italian Drunken Noodles
Wide Egg Noodles: The foundation of the dish, these wide, tender noodles soak up all the saucy goodness.
Italian Sausage: Sweet, spicy, or mild—your choice. The sausage adds rich, savory notes to every bite.
Red Bell Peppers: For a pop of color and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
Zucchini: Tender and mild, zucchini blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Onion: The aromatic base that sets the stage for flavor.
Garlic: Because no Italian-inspired dish is complete without it!
Crushed Tomatoes: These form the heart of the sauce, providing a tangy, robust base.
Red Wine: Adds depth and richness to the sauce—plus, cooking with wine makes you feel like a true chef!
Fresh Basil: Bright, fragrant, and the perfect finishing touch.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing the overall flavor.
Salt, Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes: To season and add a little kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the red bell peppers and zucchini. Cook until the veggies are tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Combine It All
Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped basil and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles
- With Garlic Bread: Mop up every last bit of that amazing sauce!
- A Crisp Salad: A fresh Caesar or arugula salad is the perfect light pairing.
- As a Standalone: It’s hearty enough to be the star of the meal.
Additional Tips
- Prepping Ahead: Chop the veggies and measure the ingredients in advance for easy assembly.
- Wine Substitute: Use beef or chicken broth if you prefer to skip the wine.
- Make It Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Fettuccine, pappardelle, or even spaghetti works well.
Q2: What’s a good wine to use?
A2: A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti pairs beautifully with the dish.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q5: How do I reheat it?
A5: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it—Italian Drunken Noodles, a dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. Whether you’re indulging solo, feeding the family, or wowing dinner guests, this recipe is a guaranteed win. So, pour yourself a little extra wine, and let the good times (and flavors) roll! Buon appetito!
PrintItalian Drunken Noodles
This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe features a flavorful combination of spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tomatoes, tossed with hearty pappardelle noodles in a white wine sauce. A perfect comfort dish with a little kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 ounces pappardelle noodles (or wide fettuccine noodles)
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tsp parsley flakes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse once al dente. Set aside.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3:
If necessary, add more oil to the pan. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and Italian seasoning. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper, and sauté until vegetables are softened.
Step 4:
Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer and reduce slightly. Add crushed tomatoes and return the cooked sausage to the pan. Stir in parsley flakes and fresh basil.
Step 5:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing with tongs to combine everything. Once mixed, remove from heat.
Step 6:
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Italian drunken noodles!
Notes
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Pasta Variations: While pappardelle noodles are ideal for this dish, fettuccine or even spaghetti would work well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg