Drunken Noodles: A Bold and Flavorful Pasta Dish with a Kick

A Hearty and Satisfying Comfort Meal

Have you ever craved a spicy, rich, and hearty pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavors? Drunken Noodles is the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds. Unlike traditional Thai drunken noodles, this version combines Italian sausage, bell peppers, white wine, and aromatic herbs to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Despite the name, there’s no need to worry—you won’t get tipsy from eating drunken noodles! The white wine in the sauce enhances the flavors and brings out the richness of the ingredients, making every bite a true delight. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.

If you love spicy pasta, bold seasonings, and easy-to-make comfort food, get ready to fall in love with Drunken Noodles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Bursting with Flavor – The spicy Italian sausage, white wine, and fresh herbs create an irresistible sauce.
✔ Easy to Make – Ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Perfect for Spice Lovers – The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make Drunken Noodles:

Category	Ingredient	Amount
Pasta	Pappardelle or wide fettuccine noodles	8 ounces
Protein	Spicy Italian sausage	1 pound
Vegetables	Onion, thinly sliced	1 medium
	Yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced	1
	Red bell pepper, thinly sliced	1
	Freshly minced garlic	3 cloves
Sauce	Crushed tomatoes (large can)	1
	White wine	½ cup
Seasonings	Italian seasoning	1 tsp
	Red pepper flakes	¼ tsp
	Parsley flakes	3 tsp
	Basil leaves, thinly sliced	¼ cup
	Olive oil	As needed
	Salt and pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pappardelle or fettuccine noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small chunks as it cooks.
• Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté the onions, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze with White Wine

• Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, aromatic base.

5. Make the Sauce

• Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper to the pan.
• Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to develop deep flavors.

6. Combine Everything

• Return the browned sausage to the pan and mix well.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a burst of freshness.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Drunken Noodles!

Tips for the Best Drunken Noodles

✔ Choose the Right Pasta

Pappardelle or wide fettuccine work best for holding onto the rich sauce, but you can also use linguine or rigatoni.

✔ Use Quality Ingredients

The better the wine, sausage, and tomatoes, the richer your sauce will be.

✔ Adjust the Spice Level

If you love extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or use an extra-spicy sausage.

✔ Let the Sauce Simmer

Letting the sauce cook for at least 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

✔ Save Some Pasta Water

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.

Serving Ideas: What to Pair with Drunken Noodles

This dish is flavorful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with these sides:

🥖 Bread & Starters

• Garlic Bread
• Caprese Salad
• Bruschetta

🍷 Wine Pairing

• A bold Chianti or Zinfandel complements the richness of the sausage.

🥗 Fresh Side Dishes

• Roasted Asparagus
• Caesar Salad
• Sautéed Spinach

Healthier Substitutions

Want to lighten up this dish? Try these swaps:

• Use Turkey Sausage – A leaner option with great flavor.
• Whole Wheat Pasta – Adds fiber and nutrients.
• Less Oil – Use a non-stick pan to reduce oil usage.
• More Veggies – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking the Pasta

Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce.

❌ Not Browning the Sausage Enough

Let the sausage develop a deep, golden crust for extra flavor.

❌ Using Too Much Wine

Too much wine can overpower the sauce—stick to ½ cup for the best balance.

❌ Skipping the Fresh Basil

Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Can I make this without wine?

Yes! Substitute chicken broth or beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.

2. How long does this pasta last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

4. What’s the best way to reheat?

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

5. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Try chicken sausage, mild Italian sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different twist.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace sausage with mushrooms, tofu, or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of wine.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Making Drunken Noodles at home is easy, delicious, and perfect for a cozy meal. The spicy sausage, bold wine-infused sauce, and fresh herbs create a dish that’s comforting yet exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

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