½ cup dry white wine (or sub chicken broth)
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
¼ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
2 tbsp butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Garnishes:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Extra red pepper flakes
Lemon wedges (brightens the dish!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil noodles al dente (reserve ½ cup pasta water). Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned (~5 mins). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3-4 mins until softened.
Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 min until fragrant.
4. Make the Drunken Sauce
Pour in wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 mins to reduce.
Add crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and butter. Stir and simmer 5 mins.
5. Combine & Finish
Return sausage to the skillet. Add cooked noodles and toss to coat.
Stir in Parmesan and pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Drunken Noodles
🔹 Use wide noodles – They hold the sauce better.
🔹 Deglaze with wine – Adds depth (sub broth if needed).
🔹 Adjust spice level – Start with ½ tsp red pepper flakes and add more.
🔹 For extra richness – Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese at the end.
Variations & Swaps
🍗 Chicken version – Swap sausage for diced chicken thighs.
🍄 Mushroom lover’s – Add sautéed mushrooms for umami.
🌶 Thai-inspired – Swap Italian sausage for ground pork + fish sauce and basil.
🥬 Veggie-packed – Add spinach or zucchini.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use GF pasta or rice noodles.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in the fridge for 3 days—reheat with a splash of broth.
Q: Can I skip the alcohol?
A: Yes, use extra broth + 1 tbsp vinegar for tang.
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles are bold, saucy, and packed with heat—the ultimate comfort food with a kick! One bite and you’ll be hooked.