Homemade Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe: A Tasty Family Hit

Twirling forks into these bold italian drunken noodles unleash a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Spicy sausage and vibrant peppers create an unexpected culinary adventure.

Fragrant herbs mingle with tender pasta strands, promising a meal far from ordinary.

Kitchens come alive with sizzling ingredients that tell a story of passion and comfort.

Aromas waft through rooms, signaling something extraordinary is about to happen.

Hearty and unpretentious, this dish speaks directly to souls craving genuine, robust tastes.

Dig into a plate that feels like a warm embrace from an italian street kitchen.

How to Cook Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle the Spicy Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the spicy Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer the sausage to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

Add additional olive oil to the skillet if needed.

• Sliced onions
• Colorful bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Create a Luxurious Sauce

Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce, creating a rich base. Add crushed tomatoes and return the cooked sausage to the pan.

Stir in fresh parsley and basil leaves, letting the herbs infuse their aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Gently add the drained pasta to the skillet.

Use tongs to toss and coat the noodles thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully covered with the savory mixture.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the skillet from heat and plate the Italian drunken noodles immediately.

Serve hot, allowing the enticing aromas to tempt your taste buds.

Tips for Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles

• Opt for a high-quality white wine to enhance the sauce's depth and richness.
• Choose spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or swap with mild sausage for less heat.
• Drain pasta quickly to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
• Chop fresh herbs right before adding to preserve maximum flavor and aroma.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly to allow ingredients to meld and develop complex tastes.

Variations on Italian Drunken Noodles

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace spicy Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rice noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping authentic taste.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify heat intensity by using mild Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes for those wanting extra kick in their pasta dish.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese and kalamata olives to transform the recipe with Greek-inspired ingredients, creating a Mediterranean coastal variation.

Pairing Ideas for Italian Drunken Noodles

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the spicy sausage and rich tomato sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a crispy, buttery side that soaks up the delicious sauce and provides a perfect textural contrast to the tender noodles.
• Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Add Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle generously over the dish to introduce a salty, nutty element that elevates the depth of flavors in the Italian drunken noodles.

Storage Tips for Italian Drunken Noodles

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce overnight, intensifying flavors.
• Transfer cooled noodles to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What are Italian drunken noodles?

Italian drunken noodles are a flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, vegetables, and white wine, creating a rich and zesty sauce that coats the pasta.

• Is white wine necessary for this recipe?

White wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with chicken broth or pasta water to maintain moisture and flavor.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap spicy Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even chicken sausage to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Italian Drunken Noodles: Bold Flavors with a Kick

• Savor Quick Comfort: This recipe delivers a delightful meal packed with bold flavors that come together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ingredients like sausage or vegetables to match your preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to your pantry and taste buds without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combining spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and rich white wine creates a mouth-watering sauce that will impress family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dishes and saving precious time for enjoying your delectable Italian drunken noodles.

Ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles

• Spicy Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that adds a spicy kick and robust taste to the dish.

• Pasta: The foundation of the recipe that provides a delicious base for absorbing the rich sauce and other ingredients.

• Olive Oil: A key cooking fat that helps develop flavors and prevent sticking.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
• Parsley Flakes, Fresh Basil: Aromatic herbs that add brightness and fresh flavor to the final dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide sweetness and texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• White Wine: A cooking liquid that adds depth and helps create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: A base for the sauce that provides a tangy and rich tomato flavor.

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Italian Drunken Noodles bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with spicy sausage and perfectly al dente pasta. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pappardelle noodles
• 1 large can crushed tomatoes

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves freshly minced garlic

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 teaspoons parsley flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• Olive oil (for sauteing)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta to al dente perfection according to package guidelines. Carefully drain and set aside, preserving its tender texture.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Crumble spicy Italian sausage into the pan, cooking until thoroughly browned and crisp. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.
3. Introduce sliced onions and colorful bell peppers into the same skillet. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and return sausage to the skillet. Gently fold in fresh parsley and fragrant basil.
5. Introduce drained pasta into the robust sauce, using tongs to ensure each strand is generously coated with the aromatic mixture. Toss thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Remove skillet from heat and plate immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Select robust, high-quality Italian sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor complexity.
• Consider using dried chili flakes to enhance spiciness if your sausage isn’t particularly hot.
• Drain pasta quickly to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture for authentic Italian experience.
• Substitute white wine with chicken broth for non-alcoholic version without compromising rich taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg