Italian Drunken Noodles

A bold and flavorful twist on a classic pasta dish — Italian Drunken Noodles combine tender noodles, Italian sausage, bell peppers, and a splash of red wine for a rich, slightly spicy sauce that’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

For the pasta and sauce:

• 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles (or pappardelle)
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup dry red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the veggies:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened (about 5–6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Deglaze with wine:
   Pour in the red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add tomatoes and seasonings:
   Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Combine everything:
   Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Finish and serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dish, use ground turkey or chicken sausage.
• Swap red wine for white wine for a milder flavor.
• Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy, luxurious sauce.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping sausage and adding mushrooms or zucchini.