Introduction
Italian Drunken Noodles is a comforting pasta dish inspired by the bold flavors of Italian cooking and the fun, saucy spirit behind “drunken” dishes. It combines wide noodles with Italian sausage, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and basil—plus a splash of wine that deepens the sauce. The vibrant colors and rich aroma make it an unforgettable one-pan meal.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
Despite the name, Italian Drunken Noodles is not a traditional Italian dish.
It was created as a Western fusion idea inspired partly by:
Italian cuisine, known for sausage, tomatoes, and herbs
Thai drunken noodles, which use wide noodles and bold spices
Chefs blended these influences to create a hearty, rustic, wine-infused pasta full of savory flavors. Today it’s popular in home cooking for offering big flavor with simple ingredients, combining comfort-food heartiness with restaurant-style richness.
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Ingredients (Quantity)
Pasta
Wide egg noodles or pappardelle: 300 g
Meat & Vegetables
Italian sausage (mild or spicy): 300–350 g, casings removed
Bell peppers: 2 (any colors), sliced
Onion: 1 large, sliced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Fresh basil: 1 cup, torn or chopped
Sauce
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (400 g)
Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
White or red wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Red pepper flakes: 1/2–1 tsp (optional for heat)
Salt & black pepper: to taste
Italian seasoning: 1 tsp (optional)
Optional Garnishes
Fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional Additions
Spinach (1–2 cups added at the end)
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Mushrooms (sliced)
Sun-dried tomatoes
Crushed fennel seeds for stronger Italian flavor
Heavy cream (2–4 tbsp) for a creamy version
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Tips for Success
Use wide noodles so they hold up to the hearty sauce.
Brown the sausage well—it builds deeper, richer flavor.
Let the wine simmer to cook off alcohol and concentrate the taste.
Salt the pasta water generously for better overall flavor.
Add basil at the end to keep its fresh fragrance.
If using spicy sausage, reduce the red pepper flakes unless you want heat.
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Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Boil water and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Drain and set aside (reserve a little pasta water if needed later).
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2. Cook the Sausage
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Add Italian sausage and break it into chunks.
3. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
4. Remove sausage and set aside.
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3. Sauté the Vegetables
1. In the same pan, add onion and bell peppers.
2. Cook until soft and lightly caramelized (6–8 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4. Build the Sauce
1. Add wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add the cooked sausage back in.
4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend the flavors.
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5. Combine
1. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce.
2. Toss until fully coated.
3. Add basil and gently fold through.
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6. Serve
Top with Parmesan, parsley, or extra basil if desired.
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Description
Italian Drunken Noodles is a hearty, rustic dish where wide noodles soak up a rich tomato-wine sauce filled with tender sausage, sweet peppers, and aromatic herbs. Each bite is savory, slightly spicy (if you choose), and deeply satisfying. The wine gives the sauce a warm, almost silky finish that elevates it beyond a simple pasta meal.
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: ~450–520
Protein: ~22–25 g
Carbohydrates: ~45–55 g
Fat: ~18–22 g
Fiber: ~4–5 g
Sugars: ~8–10 g
Values vary depending on sausage type and pasta choice.
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Conclusion
Italian Drunken Noodles brings together the comfort of pasta, the robustness of Italian sausage, and the richness of a wine-laced tomato sauce. It’s filling, flavorful, colorful, and perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.
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Recommendation
Serve it with:
A fresh green salad
Garlic bread
A sprinkle of Parmesan or chili flakes
The dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
With protein from sausage, vitamins from peppers, and herbs that brighten the dish, Italian Drunken Noodles offer a balanced way to enjoy a comforting pasta without excess heaviness. Using whole-grain noodles, lean sausage, or extra vegetables can make the dish even more nourishing—proof that indulgence and well-being can coexist deliciously.
