What makes the noodles “drunken”?

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.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

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.

What kind of wine should I use?

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.

Can I make this dish without wine?

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.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles: A Bold, Flavorful Pasta Dish

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

Scale

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