If you’re craving a cozy, hearty pasta dinner that feels a little indulgent but still comes together easily, these Italian Drunken Noodles are it. Savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and egg noodles all simmer together with a splash of white wine for a comforting one-pot meal that’s full of bold, rustic flavor.
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for a busy weeknight—minimal prep, big flavor, and very little cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = easy cleanup
- Comfort food with bold Italian flavors
- Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy
- Easily customizable with what you have on hand
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup orange bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 oz egg noodles
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until almost completely reduced, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor builds.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Bring It Together
Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the chopped parsley. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and add them directly to the sauce.
Step 6: Toss & Serve
Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage
- Swap the noodles: Fettuccine or pappardelle work well if you don’t have egg noodles
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering
- Creamy twist: Finish with a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan
What to Serve with Italian Drunken Noodles
- Crusty garlic bread
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of crisp white wine 🍷
Italian Drunken Noodles
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Italian Drunken Noodles are a cozy, one-pot pasta dish made with Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, egg noodles, tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of white wine. This easy weeknight dinner is bold, comforting, and full of rustic Italian flavor.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
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1 pound Italian sausage
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1 teaspoon salt
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
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½ cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
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½ cup orange bell pepper, sliced
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¼ cup onion, thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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½ cup dry white wine
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1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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12 ounces egg noodles
Instructions
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Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
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Pour in white wine and simmer until nearly evaporated, scraping the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Return sausage to the pan and add chopped parsley. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
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Add cooked noodles to the sauce, toss to combine, and serve warm.
Notes
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Use hot Italian sausage for extra heat
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Swap egg noodles for fettuccine or pappardelle if desired
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Add spinach during the last few minutes for extra greens
- Prep Time: 10 MINS
- Cook Time: 30 MINUTES
- Category: DINNER | PASTA
- Method: ONE POT
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Drunken Noodles?
Italian Drunken Noodles are a one-pot pasta dish made with Italian sausage, egg noodles, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of white wine. The wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, giving the dish its “drunken” name.
Can I make Italian Drunken Noodles without wine?
Yes. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage works best for this recipe. You can use mild or hot depending on your spice preference. Pork or chicken Italian sausage both work well.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While egg noodles give this dish a cozy, rustic texture, fettuccine, pappardelle, or even rotini can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has mild heat from red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust. Reduce or omit the flakes for a mild version, or add more if you like extra spice.
Can Italian Drunken Noodles be made ahead of time?
Yes. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
What should I serve with Italian Drunken Noodles?
This pasta pairs well with a simple mixed salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine also complements the flavors nicely.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the egg noodles may become mushy once thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.
Final Thoughts
These Italian Drunken Noodles are the kind of meal that feels comforting, generous, and full of flavor—perfect for cozy nights, casual entertaining, or anytime you need a satisfying dinner without a lot of fuss.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
