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Italian Drunken Noodles

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These bold and comforting Italian Drunken Noodles blend the savory heartiness of Italian pasta with the spicy, saucy inspiration of Thai drunken noodles. Made with spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a splash of white wine, this easy weeknight pasta dish is packed with flavor and perfect for leftovers.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop, Sauté
  • Cuisine: Italian Fusion, Thai-Inspired
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

  • Spicy Italian sausage (bulk or links with casings removed)
  • Wide egg noodles or pappardelle pasta
  • Olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • Mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), thinly sliced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1/2 cup white wine (such as Chardonnay)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced or crushed tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, julienned
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: red chili flakes for added heat
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it into chunks. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add onion and sauté until golden and lightly caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Add bell peppers and sauté until tender. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze pan with white wine. Let it simmer and reduce slightly.
  6. Return sausage to the pan. Add canned tomatoes (with juices). Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  7. Stir in chopped parsley and half the basil. Drizzle with olive oil for richness, if desired.
  8. Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Gently toss to coat in sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with remaining basil and optional Parmesan.

Notes

  • Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder version.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit sausage and add mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu.
  • Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or gluten-free wide noodles also work well.
  • Adjust spice by adding or omitting red chili flakes.
  • Sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for quick meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/italian-drunken-noodles/