Description
Italian Drunken Noodles is a bold, comforting pasta dish inspired by Thai drunken noodles — but with Italian flavors. It features spicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, fresh basil, and a splash of white wine tossed with al dente pasta. The sauce is rich, garlicky, slightly spicy, and deeply aromatic — perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings
4–6
Ingredients
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12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ cup pasta water (as needed)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup fresh basil, torn
Instructions
Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Brown Sausage
Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add sausage and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking apart until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
Sauté Veggies
Add onion and bell peppers; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.
Deglaze
Pour in wine and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping pan.
Build Sauce
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5 minutes. Add pasta water if needed.
Toss & Serve
Add pasta and basil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve hot.
Notes
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Wine adds depth — broth works if alcohol-free.
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Use spicy sausage for heat or mild for family-friendly.
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Basil added at end keeps flavor fresh.
Tips
Add mushrooms or zucchini for veggie boost Swap shrimp for sausage Use whole wheat pasta for fiber Finish with drizzle of olive oil
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — store up to 3 days, reheat gently.
Q: Can I make it creamy?
Yes — stir in ¼ cup cream or cream cheese.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze up to 2 months.
Q: What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine.
WW Points (per serving — 1/5 recipe)
Blue: 9 points
Green: 11 points
Purple: 9 points
