Italian Drunken Noodles is a delicious pasta dish featuring wide noodles tossed with savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor. This easy-to-make dish combines the comfort of pasta with the rich flavors of Italian cooking, making it perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness
• ¼ cup black or kalamata olives for a briny kick

For Serving:

• Crusty bread or garlic bread
• A side salad

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles or pappardelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

1. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

1. Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly and infusing the vegetables with flavor.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Sausage

1. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the cooked Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and vegetable mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
2. Toss the pasta to coat evenly in the sauce, letting it heat through for about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
2. Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top and a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.

Cooking Notes

• Wine: The wine adds depth and richness to the sauce. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. For a lighter option, use chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
• Pasta: Wide egg noodles or pappardelle are great choices for this dish, but you can also use fettuccine or tagliatelle.

Variations

1. Creamy Italian Drunken Noodles

For a creamier version, add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce in the final step. Stir until well combined and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.

2. Vegetarian Italian Drunken Noodles

To make this dish vegetarian, skip the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of white wine.

3. Seafood Italian Drunken Noodles

For a seafood twist, substitute the sausage with shrimp or scallops. Sauté the seafood with the onions and bell peppers until cooked through, then follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

4. Gluten-Free Italian Drunken Noodles

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the sausage and wine, are also gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Italian Drunken Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stovetop before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute any long pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti. Even penne or rigatoni will work if you prefer shorter pasta.

Q: Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Italian Drunken Noodles?
It’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Cook the sausage and vegetables, then cool and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine.

These Italian Drunken Noodles are an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. With savory sausage, colorful veggies, and the rich flavor of wine-infused sauce, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and serve it with crusty bread for a comforting and delicious dinner.