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Italian Drunken Noodles

Hearty pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a splash of dry white wine creates a cozy, flavor-packed dinner perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Italian Drunken Noodles
  • 8 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle broad noodles hold the sauce beautifully
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes drained
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning classic herb blend
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles or pappardelle and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve a little pasta water if desired.
  2. Step 2: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and cooked sausage. Let simmer for about 5 minutes so flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Add cooked noodles back to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Heat through for 1–2 minutes so noodles soak up sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve topped with fresh chopped basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Gluten-free pasta and alternative sausages can be used for dietary preferences.