Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe That's a Hit With Everyone

If you love bold flavors and hearty pasta dishes, this Italian drunken noodles recipe will quickly become a favorite with everyone who tries it! It combines tender pappardelle noodles, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant bell peppers, all tossed in a rich tomato-wine sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Why I Love This Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

The first time I made Italian drunken noodles was on a whim after my friend raved about it. He had it at his sister-in-law's house for dinner and said it was the best pasta dish he had ever had. I asked her for her recipe and was so grateful when she shared it with me. I had to put my own spin on it, of course, and that's what I have for you today! 

I'm not going to lie; I was skeptical at first—pasta with sausage and tomatoes didn’t sound particularly groundbreaking—but the moment I tasted it, I was hooked. The combination of tender pappardelle noodles, rich Italian sausage, and the subtle sweetness of bell peppers simmered in a wine-infused tomato sauce made it feel like something straight from an authentic Italian restaurant.

Now, it’s become one of my favorite recipes to pull out when I want something hearty yet straightforward. It’s the perfect meal for those nights when you need comfort food without spending hours at the stove. Plus, it’s always a hit at the dinner table. I've served this a number of times when I have friends over, and they all rave over how good it is!

Ingredients

• 12 oz pappardelle (dry)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pappardelle according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside, keeping it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage in chunks and brown on all sides. Once cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sliced onion. Sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, letting it reduce for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and return the sausage to the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pappardelle to the sauce and toss gently to coat the noodles. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with parmesan cheese, if desired.

Expert Tips 

1. Don’t skip the wine: The white wine adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish shine. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with a splash of chicken broth.
2. Keep the sausage chunky: Breaking the sausage into larger pieces adds texture and makes every bite satisfying.
3. Use quality tomatoes: Opt for good-quality canned diced tomatoes for a rich and vibrant sauce.
4. Mix up the veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
5. Cook the pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the noodles since they’ll absorb more flavor when tossed in the sauce.

My Favorite Things To Serve with Italian Drunken Noodles

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. These Bojangles biscuits go really well too for another bready side.
• Salad: Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta. I recommend a house salad with Italian dressing or a Caesar salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: A light, healthy side dish to balance the richness. I suggest roasted broccoli and cauliflower.

My Final Thoughts On This Recipe

This Italian drunken noodles recipe is the perfect combination of savory, saucy, and satisfying. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that always hits the spot.

I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your thoughts below!

More Recipes To Try Next

• Chicken rollatini
• Italian penicillin
• Creamy chicken and chorizo pasta
• Spinach and feta chicken breasts
• Marry me chicken pasta