Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
This Italian drunken noodles recipe features sausage, garlic, wine, and tomatoes for a rich, saucy pasta dish bursting with Italian comfort flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Colander
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 250 g wide noodles pappardelle or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 300 g Italian sausage crumbled or sliced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cooking wine red or white
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy at the edges.
- This step adds depth—don’t rush it.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan—this is where a lot of flavor lives.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy every bite.
Notes
- Salt your pasta water well—it makes a difference
- Don’t overcook the noodles
- Let the sauce simmer properly for depth
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Use fresh herbs at the end for brightness