Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles

savory, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines wide noodles with sautéed Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil. A touch of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This quick and hearty dish is a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes, bringing vibrant flavors together in one pan.

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Ingredients

  

• Pasta: Wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal for holding onto the sauce.
• Sausage: Italian sausage adds a robust savory flavor.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers and tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness to the dish.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and enhances the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh basil ties all the flavors together with its aromatic essence.
• Ingredients
• 12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine noodles
• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine e.g., Pinot Grigio
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
• Step 2: Cook the Sausage
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
• In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
• Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Step 4: Build the Sauce
• Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
• Return the sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
• Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
• Step 6: Serve
• Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional basil if desired.
• Recipe Tips
• Noodle Choice: While pappardelle is traditional, you can substitute with tagliatelle or linguine if needed.
• Wine Substitute: Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Vegetable Additions: Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• What to Serve With This Recipe
• Serve Italian Drunken Noodles with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Pair with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe for a cohesive dining experience.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage? Absolutely! Use ground meat and season with Italian herbs for a similar flavor profile.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but store the sauce and noodles separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat together before serving.
• Is this dish spicy? It depends on your choice of sausage and the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference.
• Serving Suggestions
• For a complete meal, pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce!
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• Italian Drunken Noodles
• savory, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines wide noodles with sautéed Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil. A touch of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This quick and hearty dish is a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes, bringing vibrant flavors together in one pan.
• - Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• - Large skillet or sauté pan
• - Large pot for boiling pasta
• - Cutting board
• - Sharp knife
• - Wooden spoon or spatula
• - Colander
• - Ingredients Overview
• - Pasta: Wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal for holding onto the sauce.
• - Sausage: Italian sausage adds a robust savory flavor.
• - Vegetables: Bell peppers and tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness to the dish.
• - White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and enhances the sauce.
• - Herbs: Fresh basil ties all the flavors together with its aromatic essence.
• - Ingredients
• - 12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine noodles
• - 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• - 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• - 1 red bell pepper sliced
• - 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
• - 4 garlic cloves minced
• - 1/2 cup dry white wine e.g., Pinot Grigio
• - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• - 1/2 cup chicken broth
• - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• - Salt and black pepper to taste
• - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
• - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
• Step 2: Cook the Sausage
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
• In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
• Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Step 4: Build the Sauce
• Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
• Return the sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
• Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
• Step 6: Serve
• Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional basil if desired.
• Recipe Tips
• Noodle Choice: While pappardelle is traditional, you can substitute with tagliatelle or linguine if needed.
• Wine Substitute: Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Vegetable Additions: Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• What to Serve With This Recipe
• Serve Italian Drunken Noodles with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Pair with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe for a cohesive dining experience.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage? Absolutely! Use ground meat and season with Italian herbs for a similar flavor profile.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but store the sauce and noodles separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat together before serving.
• Is this dish spicy? It depends on your choice of sausage and the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference.
• Serving Suggestions
• For a complete meal, pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce!

Italian Drunken Noodles are a savory, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines wide noodles with sautéed Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil.

A touch of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This quick and hearty dish is a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes, bringing vibrant flavors together in one pan.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Ingredients Overview

• Pasta: Wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal for holding onto the sauce.
• Sausage: Italian sausage adds a robust, savory flavor.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers and tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness to the dish.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and enhances the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh basil ties all the flavors together with its aromatic essence.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine noodles
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
2. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Return the sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

1. Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
2. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional basil if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Noodle Choice: While pappardelle is traditional, you can substitute with tagliatelle or linguine if needed.
• Wine Substitute: Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Vegetable Additions: Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve Italian Drunken Noodles with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Pair with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe for a cohesive dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage? Absolutely! Use ground meat and season with Italian herbs for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but store the sauce and noodles separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat together before serving.
Is this dish spicy? It depends on your choice of sausage and the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce!

Italian Drunken Noodles

savory, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines wide noodles with sautéed Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil. A touch of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This quick and hearty dish is a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes, bringing vibrant flavors together in one pan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients Overview
• Pasta: Wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal for holding onto the sauce.
• Sausage: Italian sausage adds a robust savory flavor.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers and tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness to the dish.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and enhances the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh basil ties all the flavors together with its aromatic essence.
• Ingredients
• 12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine noodles
• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine e.g., Pinot Grigio
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
• Step 2: Cook the Sausage
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
• In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
• Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Step 4: Build the Sauce
• Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
• Return the sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
• Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
• Step 6: Serve
• Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional basil if desired.
• Recipe Tips
• Noodle Choice: While pappardelle is traditional, you can substitute with tagliatelle or linguine if needed.
• Wine Substitute: Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Vegetable Additions: Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• What to Serve With This Recipe
• Serve Italian Drunken Noodles with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Pair with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe for a cohesive dining experience.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage? Absolutely! Use ground meat and season with Italian herbs for a similar flavor profile.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but store the sauce and noodles separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat together before serving.
• Is this dish spicy? It depends on your choice of sausage and the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference.
• Serving Suggestions
• For a complete meal, pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce!