Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage and Peppers

Craving a saucy, savory pasta dish with flair? Italian Drunken Noodles will hit the spot. This colorful comfort food combines hearty ground Italian sausage, a medley of bell peppers, and wide egg noodles all tossed in a garlicky tomato-wine sauce. The “drunken” twist? A splash of white wine that brings the whole dish to life. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a cozy solo dinner, this one-skillet wonder is the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles are all about big flavors and zero stress. Here’s why you’ll want to keep this one in your dinner rotation:

• Flavorful & Fragrant: Sausage, garlic, wine, and herbs create a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
• Colorful & Fun: Four kinds of bell peppers make this dish a feast for the eyes.
• Simple to Make: Just one skillet and one pot—minimal cleanup!
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are bold but balanced—perfect for all ages.

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is proof that easy meals can still feel special.

The Story Behind Italian Drunken Noodles

Let’s talk origin. While this dish isn’t traditional Italian, it’s a tasty mashup that delivers on every level. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• White wine is key—adds brightness and complexity to the sauce.
• Inspired by fusion cooking—blends Italian comfort with Thai noodle energy.
• Egg noodles step in for pappardelle, making it more pantry-friendly.
• Garlic lovers rejoice—roasted garlic paste infuses deep flavor without the burn.

Italian Drunken Noodles may be a twist on tradition, but it’s got all the hallmarks of a true comfort classic.

Key Ingredients in Italian Drunken Noodles

• Ground Italian Sausage: The savory backbone of the dish—rich, juicy, and packed with seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and helps brown the sausage and veggies.
• Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange, Green): Provide sweetness, crunch, and a pop of vibrant color.
• Roasted Garlic Paste: Deep, mellow garlic flavor with no chopping required.
• White Wine: Deglazes the pan and gives the sauce a fragrant lift.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Bring a subtle smokiness and juicy tomato body to the sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Wide and tender, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Italian Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Italian Seasoning): Round out the flavor with classic herbal notes.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

1. Sauté the sausage and peppers: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and diced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green). Cook until the sausage is browned and the peppers are tender.
2. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in roasted garlic paste, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Let cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Deglaze with wine and tomatoes: Pour in the white wine and scrape the pan to lift any brown bits. Stir in the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juice). Bring to a simmer.
4. Let it reduce: Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes rich and aromatic.
5. Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, boil the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish and serve: Plate your noodles and top with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
8. Enjoy! Serve immediately while everything is hot, fresh, and fragrant.

Italian Drunken Noodles Tips and Twists

Get the Most Out of This Flavorful Dish

Cooking Tips:

1. Don’t skip the garlic paste—it’s the flavor MVP.
2. Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
3. Slice peppers evenly so they cook consistently.
4. Simmer the sauce long enough to reduce and concentrate the flavor.
5. Garnish generously—it adds color and fresh pop.

Tasty Twists:

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end.
• Go veggie: Swap sausage for plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.
• Add heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Make-Ahead: The sausage and pepper sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just cook noodles fresh and combine when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Drunken Noodles

Make your meal even more memorable with these tasty pairings:

• Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese – Try this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese for a double-comfort carb fest.
• Simple Avocado Toast with Egg – Want something lighter on the side? Go for Simple Avocado Toast with Egg to balance the richness.
• Fresh Green Salad – Toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch.
• Crispy Roasted Cauliflower – Add texture with Crispy Roasted Cauliflower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Pappardelle, fettuccine, or even rigatoni work well here.

Do I have to use wine?
Nope! Sub with chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. Use mild or hot sausage depending on your preference.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese garnish and check your sausage ingredients for hidden dairy.

What if I can’t find roasted garlic paste?
Use 2–3 minced garlic cloves sautéed until golden as a substitute.

Enjoy Your Italian Drunken Noodles

Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, Italian Drunken Noodles bring the comfort and color you crave. With rich sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a garlicky tomato wine sauce hugging every noodle, this dish is both satisfying and simple. It’s easy enough for beginners, but impressive enough to share. So pour yourself a glass of that white wine you cooked with, and dig in—you’ve earned it.

Explore More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more dinner inspiration? These recipes pair beautifully with or offer a similar cozy vibe to Italian Drunken Noodles:

• Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs: A creamy, dreamy meatball dish for busy nights.
• Quick Crispy Chicken Wraps: Crunchy, saucy, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
• From-Scratch Pistachio Muffins: Something sweet to follow your savory noodle feast.
• Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: Another hearty favorite when you’re in the mood for rich, rustic flavors.