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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
What is Italian Drunken Noodles?
Italian Drunken Noodles is a bold and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the richness of Italian cuisine with a unique, boozy twist. This hearty recipe typically features wide egg noodles, Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with a splash of red wine. The “drunken” element refers to the wine, which enhances the flavors of the dish while adding a subtle depth to the sauce.
What sets Italian Drunken Noodles apart is its fusion of comfort and sophistication. The noodles absorb the flavorful sauce, while the wine balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of savory and slightly tangy notes. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley elevate the dish, making it both aromatic and visually appealing.
This dish is versatile and customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences. Whether you use spicy or mild Italian sausage, add a medley of fresh bell peppers and onions, or experiment with different red wines, the result is always satisfying.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Italian Drunken Noodles is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor. In this article, we’ll explore the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips to master this irresistible dish. Get ready to indulge in a comforting pasta experience with an Italian twist!
If you’re looking for another comforting recipe with rich Italian flavors, check out “Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup“!
Key Ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles
Creating a delicious plate of Italian Drunken Noodles requires a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the bold and comforting flavors this dish is known for.
Essential Ingredients:
- Egg Noodles
Wide egg noodles are the star of the dish, providing a hearty and chewy texture that holds up well against the rich sauce. - Italian Sausage
Both mild and spicy Italian sausages work beautifully in this recipe. They add a robust flavor and savory depth to the dish. - Red Wine
The “drunken” aspect of the dish comes from a splash of red wine. It enhances the sauce’s complexity and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. - Tomatoes
Use fresh, diced tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes to create the rich, tomato-based sauce that ties the dish together. - Bell Peppers and Onions
Fresh bell peppers and onions add sweetness and texture, complementing the flavors of the sausage and sauce. - Garlic
Garlic infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic base, enhancing the overall flavor profile. - Fresh Herbs
Basil and parsley are essential for a classic Italian touch, adding freshness and brightness to the dish. - Parmesan Cheese
A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a creamy, nutty finish. - Olive Oil
High-quality olive oil is used for sautéing and adds richness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Drunken Noodles
Follow these steps to create a hearty, flavorful dish of Italian Drunken Noodles that will impress every pasta lover.
1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2: Sauté the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausages (if needed) and crumble them into the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4: Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in 1/2 cup of red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavor to concentrate.
5: Add the Tomatoes and Sausage
Stir in 2 cups of diced or crushed tomatoes, along with the cooked sausage. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6: Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
7: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Italian Drunken Noodles!
Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles
Elevate your Italian Drunken Noodles with these expert tips to ensure maximum flavor and the best results every time:
- Choose the Right Wine
Use a dry red wine like Merlot, Chianti, or Cabernet Sauvignon for the sauce. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the dish’s savory flavors. - Cook Noodles Al Dente
Slightly undercook the noodles, as they’ll continue to cook when tossed with the sauce. This prevents them from becoming mushy. - Use Fresh Ingredients
Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. They add a vibrant and authentic flavor that canned or dried ingredients can’t replicate. - Deglaze Properly
When adding the wine, scrape the skillet’s bottom to incorporate the browned bits from the sausage and vegetables. These bits are packed with flavor. - Spice it Up
If you enjoy heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. - Let the Sauce Simmer
Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes to meld the flavors of the wine, tomatoes, and sausage. A longer simmer creates a deeper, richer flavor. - Reserve Pasta Water
Save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick. - Don’t Skip the Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan, basil, and parsley not only enhance the dish’s presentation but also add layers of flavor that complete the meal.
By following these tips, your Italian Drunken Noodles will turn out perfectly balanced, flavorful, and truly restaurant-worthy!
Storing and Reheating Italian Drunken Noodles
Proper storage and reheating techniques will help you enjoy your Italian Drunken Noodles even as leftovers, without compromising their flavor or texture.
Storing Italian Drunken Noodles
- Refrigeration: Allow the noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Before reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Separate Components: If you plan to store for more than a day, consider storing the noodles and sauce separately. This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft while absorbing the sauce.
Reheating Italian Drunken Noodles
- On the Stove: For the best results, reheat the dish on the stove. Place the noodles and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
- In the Microwave: For a quick option, reheat in a microwave-safe container. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.
- In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the noodles to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Why You Will Love Italian Drunken Noodles
Italian Drunken Noodles is a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors, hearty textures, and a comforting appeal that makes it a true standout. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply looking for a unique, crowd-pleasing recipe, this dish has everything you need to fall in love with it.
One of the best things about Italian Drunken Noodles is its versatility. The wine-infused sauce adds a rich, slightly tangy depth that pairs beautifully with the savory Italian sausage and tender egg noodles. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions bring a touch of sweetness and crunch, while the fresh herbs and Parmesan finish the dish with vibrant, aromatic notes.
Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under an hour. Plus, it’s customizable—whether you prefer spicy sausage, extra vegetables, or even experimenting with white wine, the possibilities are endless.
This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a meal to impress guests, or simply a treat for yourself. Once you try Italian Drunken Noodles, its bold, comforting flavors and satisfying texture will quickly make it one of your favorite go-to recipes. Prepare to add it to your regular rotation and savor every bite!
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Italian Drunken Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A bold and hearty pasta dish made with wide egg noodles, savory Italian sausage, and a wine-infused tomato sauce. Topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (e.g., Merlot, Chianti)
- 2 cups diced or crushed tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (remove casings if needed) and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Substitute the red wine with beef or chicken broth if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Italian drunken noodles, pasta with red wine, sausage and noodles recipe
FAQ: Italian Drunken Noodles
The term “drunken” refers to the red wine added to the sauce. The wine enhances the flavor of the dish by adding richness and depth, creating a unique twist on traditional pasta recipes.
Yes, while wide egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta like pappardelle, fettuccine, or tagliatelle. Choose a shape that holds the sauce well.
A dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti works best. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the savory flavors of the dish.
Yes, if you prefer to skip the wine, substitute it with beef or chicken broth. The flavor profile will differ slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.