Italian Drunken Noodles
Ever craved a pasta dish that’s both flavorful and a bit cheeky?
Italian Drunken Noodles fit the bill perfectly! This recipe brings the bold taste of Italian sausage and vibrant peppers together in a creamy, cozy dish that’s quick to whip up — who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and in one pan? Imagine a comforting bowl of noodles that practically begs you to dive in!
Why make this recipe
You’ll adore how easy it is to make Italian Drunken Noodles! It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want a hearty meal without the mess. Plus, it’s family-friendly — even the pickiest eaters will find it hard to resist those saucy noodles. Just think about those satisfied smiles around the dinner table without having to spend all evening cooking or cleaning. 👌
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 12 oz wide noodles (pappardelle or fettuccine)
- 1 lb Italian turkey sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup white grape juice (or dry white wine)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onions and peppers. Cook until softened but still bright, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Add white grape juice, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer and Combine: Return sausage to the pan and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes. Toss in cooked noodles, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to make Italian Drunken Noodles (Overview)
Making Italian Drunken Noodles is a breezy affair! First, cook your noodles while you brown the sausage — a multitasking dream, right? Next, you’ll sauté a medley of colorful veggies, letting the garlic lend its aromatic charm. Finally, deglaze the pan to capture all that delicious flavor, finish the sauce, and toss it all together. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to serve Italian Drunken Noodles
For a beautiful presentation, serve your Italian Drunken Noodles topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese. Picture it: vibrant colors, delicious aromas, and a sprinkle of cheese that just beckons you to dig in. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of wine, and you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy, yet is so easy to whip up!
How to store Italian Drunken Noodles
Leftovers? No problem! Store your Italian Drunken Noodles in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to enjoy them later? They freeze perfectly for about 2 months. To reheat, just warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep them saucy.
Tips to make Italian Drunken Noodles
- Switch up the protein: If you’re not a turkey fan, feel free to use pork or chicken sausage instead!
- Customize the veggies: Throw in your favorite seasonal vegetables — zucchini and spinach work wonders!
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Variation
Want to get creative? You can easily turn this into a vegan dish by swapping the sausage for lentils or mushrooms and using veggie broth! Add some nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy. 🎉
FAQs
Can I use another type of noodle?
Absolutely! Spaghetti or even whole grain pasta will work just fine.How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute with gluten-free noodles, and you’ve got a delicious alternative!Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-cook the sauce and noodles separately and toss them together just before serving. It’s a time-saver for sure!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Italian Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onions and peppers. Cook until softened but still bright, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add white grape juice, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return sausage to the pan and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes. Toss in cooked noodles, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
