Italian Drunken Noodles – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave

Italian Drunken Noodles are one of those unexpected pasta dishes that completely surprise you with how good they are. Rich Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes simmer together with a splash of white wine, creating a deeply flavorful, glossy sauce that coats every strand of noodle without drowning it.

Unlike heavy cream sauces or thick tomato pastas, this recipe is light but incredibly savory. The wine adds brightness, the sausage brings depth, and the peppers add just enough sweetness to balance everything out. It’s comfort food with personality — and once you try it, it becomes a repeat recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients and Why Each One Matters

Olive oil (1 tbsp, divided) — Helps brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables without sticking.
Italian sausage (1 lb) — The main flavor base, adding richness and seasoning to the entire dish.
Salt and freshly ground pepper — Enhance and balance all flavors.
Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers (½ cup each) — Add sweetness, color, and texture.
Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced) — Adds savory depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) — Brings aromatic intensity.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp) — Adds classic herb flavor.
Red pepper flakes (½ tsp) — Adds gentle heat.
White wine (½ cup) — Deglazes the pan and adds brightness.
Diced tomatoes, undrained (28 oz) — Provide moisture and gentle acidity.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) — Adds freshness and color.
Egg noodles (12 oz) — Tender, silky noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully.

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 sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine and simmer until almost fully evaporated, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Return sausage to the pot and add parsley. Simmer 5 minutes more.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and add to the sauce.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Toss until well coated and serve hot.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

It’s bold, savory, and slightly sweet with a wine-infused depth.
It’s lighter than cream sauces but more exciting than plain tomato pasta.
It’s easy to make in one pan.
It reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Drunken Noodles

Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Don’t skip reducing the wine — this concentrates flavor.
Use fresh garlic and parsley for best aroma.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or focaccia.
Pair with a simple green salad.
Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.

Final Thoughts

Italian Drunken Noodles are bold, comforting, and just different enough to feel exciting while still being deeply satisfying. The wine-infused tomato sauce, savory sausage, and tender noodles make this dish unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that breaks out of the usual routine and delivers rich, layered flavor with minimal effort, this is the one you’ll keep coming back to.

ITALIAN DRUNKEN NOODLES