If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a little different from the usual spaghetti night, Italian Drunken Noodles are a delicious place to start. This hearty skillet pasta combines tender noodles, savory Italian sausage, colorful peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a rich sauce packed with flavor.
Despite the name, this isn't a complicated restaurant-style dish. It comes together in one skillet after the pasta is cooked, making it a wonderfully comforting option for a busy weeknight.
The combination of sweet peppers, browned sausage, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes creates a sauce that's rustic, savory, and just a little bit bold. And when the noodles soak up all those flavors, you get the kind of meal that makes everyone reach for seconds.
Why You'll Love Italian Drunken Noodles
There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe in your regular dinner rotation:
- Big, comforting flavor without complicated techniques
- Ready in roughly 30–40 minutes
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients
- A great way to use colorful bell peppers
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
- Delicious enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight
- Even better when served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles or pappardelle
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
1. Cook the Pasta
