Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
Introduction
Italian Drunken Noodles are a flavorful twist on classic pasta, combining savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a splash of white wine for a rich, comforting dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels special and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked to your liking
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup white cooking wine
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the ground Italian sausage and chopped bell peppers to a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and the peppers begin to soften.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the white cooking wine and cook until the liquid reduces by half, stirring occasionally to scrape up any browned bits.
- Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Step 5: Mix in the cooked egg noodles and continue to sauté until the noodles are heated through and coated well with the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor if you have it on hand.
- Swap bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to suit your taste.
- For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Try using turkey sausage as a leaner alternative to ground Italian sausage.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use red wine instead of white cooking wine?
Yes, red wine can be used as a substitute, but it will give the dish a deeper, richer flavor that may slightly change the overall taste.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them?
Yes, cook the egg noodles separately according to package instructions before adding them to the sauce to ensure they are tender and properly cooked.
Print
Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Italian Drunken Noodles is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring classic Italian sausage cooked with bell peppers, garlic, and herbs in a white wine and tomato sauce, tossed with tender egg noodles. This comforting one-pan meal blends the richness of Italian flavors with a simple yet satisfying preparation perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Egg Noodles, cooked to your liking
- 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
- 2 Bell peppers, chopped
- 3 tsp Minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup White cooking wine
- 28 oz Can diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 Tbsp Dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Peppers: Add the ground Italian sausage and chopped bell peppers to a large saucepan or deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and the peppers start to soften, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté for 30 seconds to release the aromas without burning.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white cooking wine, stirring to lift any browned bits from the pan. Continue to cook until the wine reduces by half, concentrating its flavor and slightly thickening the sauce, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet along with the dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow to simmer for another 5 minutes so flavors meld together.
- Toss in Cooked Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce. Continue sautéing for a few minutes until the noodles are heated through and nicely incorporated with the meat and vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and added freshness.
Notes
- Use cooked noodles of your choice such as spaghetti or fettuccine if egg noodles are unavailable.
- White cooking wine can be substituted with dry white wine or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes during step 2 with the garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sausage noodles, drunken noodles Italian style, pasta with sausage and peppers, easy Italian dinner, one pan pasta dish

