🍝 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