When it comes to comfort food, pasta is always a winner. But if you want to take things to the next level, you need to try Italian Drunken Noodles Pasta. This recipe combines hearty Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh herbs, and wide pasta noodles, all tossed together in a rich tomato-wine sauce.
The “drunken” part of the name comes from the addition of wine, which gives the sauce its deep, robust flavor. The result? A cozy, hearty dish that tastes like it came straight out of a rustic Italian kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍷 Full of flavor – red wine adds richness and depth to the tomato sauce.
🌶 Colorful & hearty – bell peppers and herbs bring freshness and brightness.
🍝 Comforting & filling – wide noodles soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
🍽 Versatile – perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a romantic date night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle pasta)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet, or Merlot work great
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Return the sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until coated in sauce. Stir in fresh basil and parsley. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
What to Serve With Italian Drunken Noodles
Garlic bread – perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Simple green salad – to balance the richness.
A glass of red wine – because why not pair it with what’s already in the sauce?
Tips & Variations
Make it spicy – use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
Go lighter – swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken.
Add veggies – zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work beautifully. Make ahead – the sauce tastes even better the next day!
Final Thoughts
Italian Drunken Noodles Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s bold, saucy, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make. The red wine and Italian sausage give the sauce a deep richness, while the fresh herbs brighten everything up.
Serve it at a dinner party or make it for a cozy night in – either way, it’s a recipe that everyone will be asking for again and again.