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Italian Drunken Noodles

A quick and flavor-packed pasta dish featuring Italian sausage and vibrant peppers in a creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 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) Use for added spice
  • 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 For garnish
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve with fresh basil and a generous shaving of Parmesan. Pair with a salad and wine. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep it saucy.