Description
This Drunken Noodles recipe is a bold, spicy, and satisfying Italian-inspired pasta dish made with spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, white wine, and crushed tomatoes. The flavors are rich and deep, with just the right amount of heat. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that comes together in under 45 minutes—perfect for a hearty dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pappardelle noodles (wide fettuccine works too)
For the Sauce:
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons parsley flakes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced very thin
- Olive oil, as needed
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pappardelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil.
- Sauté the sliced onion, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper until they become soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
- Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Make the Sauce
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan and mix well.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.
- Enjoy your Drunken Noodles hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Notes
- Make it milder by using sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later by storing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired