Name: Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe: Bold and Savory
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pappardelle noodles; 1 lb spicy Italian sausage; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion; 1 red bell pepper; 1 yellow bell pepper; 3 cloves of garlic; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp basil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil; 1/4 cup Parmesan; Optional: Extra basil or parsley; Suggested Pairings: Garlic bread (Chianti)

Introduction

Italian drunken noodles are a vibrant, hearty dish that marries the bold flavors of Italian cuisine with the spirit of Thai drunken noodles. Featuring wide pappardelle noodles, spicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, wine-infused tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. Its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic Italian drunken noodles dish that is adaptable for dietary preferences and is best served hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the Italian Drunken Noodles:

8 oz pappardelle noodles (or wide egg noodles)
1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

For Serving:

Optional: Extra fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Suggested Pairings: Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables
Suggested Beverage: Chianti, sparkling water, or iced tea

Step-by-Step Process

Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build Sauce: Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Return the sausage to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. If too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time.
Combine: Add cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Stir in fresh basil.
Serve: Divide noodles among plates. Garnish with Parmesan and extra basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad, paired with a beverage like Chianti or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Italian Drunken Noodles

Use al dente noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy when mixed with sauce.
Choose spicy Italian sausage for authentic flavor; mild sausage works for less heat.
Slice vegetables thinly for even cooking and a balanced bite with noodles.
Use a dry white wine you’d drink; it enhances the sauce’s depth.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Toss noodles with sauce just before serving to maintain texture.
For a richer sauce, simmer an extra 5 minutes, but don’t over-reduce.
Make ahead: Prepare the sauce up to a day in advance; cook noodles fresh.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Drunken Noodles: Replace sausage with 2 cups sliced mushrooms or plant-based sausage; use vegetable broth instead of wine if desired.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium tomatoes, reduce salt to 1/4 tsp, and choose low-sodium sausage.
Spicy Drunken Noodles: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add 1 sliced fresh chili.
Gluten-Free Drunken Noodles: Use gluten-free pappardelle or rice noodles; ensure sausage and seasonings are gluten-free.
Chicken Drunken Noodles: Swap sausage for 1 lb of ground chicken or diced chicken breast.
Creamy Drunken Noodles: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or mascarpone at the end for a richer sauce.
Vegan Drunken Noodles: Use plant-based sausage, omit Parmesan, and add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for umami.
Herb-Forward Drunken Noodles: Add 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary with the dried herbs.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; noodles may absorb sauce.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen, about 5 minutes.
Freeze sauce (without noodles) in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat with freshly cooked noodles.
Serve hot for the best texture; cold noodles can be greasy or sticky.
Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or a topping for baked potatoes.
Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Pair with a crisp salad to balance the dish’s richness.
Stir gently when reheating to avoid breaking noodles.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1.5 cups each):

Calories: 620 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 980mg
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 26g
Vitamin A: 25% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 80% Daily Value
Calcium: 15% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in protein and fat due to sausage and cheese. For dietary needs, try vegetarian or low-sodium variations. It’s vegetables that add vitamins.

Conclusion

This Italian drunken noodles recipe delivers a bold, savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, blending Italian flavors with a fun twist. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant taste make it a favorite for home cooks. The tender noodles and rich sauce create a satisfying combination. This recipe is sure to become a staple, cherished for its ease and deliciousness.