Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory ground Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce with a touch of white wine. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner. The addition of Italian seasoning and basil gives this dish an authentic, comforting taste, while the noodles soak up all the delicious flavors. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors. The ground sausage adds savory depth, while the bell peppers provide a sweet crunch that complements the pasta perfectly. The white cooking wine helps to create a delicious sauce that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The best part? It’s quick to make and easy to clean up, as everything is cooked in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for the family or making a meal for yourself, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

12 oz egg noodles, cooked to your liking
1 lb ground Italian sausage
2 bell peppers, chopped
3 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup white cooking wine
28 oz can diced tomatoes (not drained)
1 tbsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage and Peppers

In a large saucepan or skillet with deep sides, add the ground Italian sausage and chopped bell peppers. Cook over medium-high heat until the meat is completely browned and the peppers have softened.

2. Add Garlic and Seasonings

Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn.

3. Add the White Cooking Wine

Pour in the white cooking wine and sauté until the liquid in the pot is reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Tomatoes and Basil

Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot. Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine well.

5. Mix in the Cooked Noodles

Add the cooked egg noodles to the pan and toss everything together. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are heated through and coated in the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat. Top the noodles with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: For more vegetables, try adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the dish.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage.
Use Different Noodles: Swap the egg noodles for other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but it will change the flavor profile slightly. You may want to add extra seasonings to make up for the difference.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms or tofu for protein.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to chop them and possibly add a little extra liquid to achieve the right consistency for the sauce.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

This Italian Drunken Noodles pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a simple roasted vegetable dish.

7. Can I make this dish without white wine?

Yes, if you don’t want to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.

8. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, add a small amount of tomato paste.

9. How do I make sure the pasta doesn’t get mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and be sure to rinse it with cold water if you’re not adding it directly to the pan after cooking. This will help it maintain its texture.

10. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, you can stir in some ricotta, cream cheese, or mozzarella into the sauce for a creamy version of this dish.

Conclusion

Italian Drunken Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With ground Italian sausage, bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal. The addition of white cooking wine gives the dish a delicious richness, while the pasta soaks up all the flavorful sauce. Topped with Parmesan and parsley, it’s a delicious, well-rounded meal that your whole family will love.