Easy Italian Drunken Noodles
🍝 Easy Italian Drunken Noodles
Some meals are made for slow evenings—when the kitchen becomes the heart of the home and nobody is in a rush to finish dinner. Easy Italian Drunken Noodles is exactly that kind of dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple enough for a weeknight, yet rich and inviting enough to serve to guests without hesitation.
This recipe brings together tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, sweet peppers, and a tomato-wine sauce that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s cozy, bold, and deeply satisfying without feeling too heavy.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wide egg noodles | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Onion, thinly sliced | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper, sliced | 1 |
| Green bell pepper, sliced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¾ tsp |
| Marinara or tomato basil sauce | 1 cup |
| Dry red wine (or chicken broth) | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Fresh basil or parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the red wine (or broth) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and lift the browned flavor from the pan.
Build the Sauce
Add the marinara sauce and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked noodles and toss gently until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve warm.
💡 Serving Ideas
- Pair with crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce
- Add a simple green salad for freshness
- Double the recipe for gatherings—it’s always a hit
