Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Jul 17, 2025July 17, 20250 10
A dish of bold Italian flavor ready to eat in 30 minutes with attitude.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: $12–$14 (feeds 4)

Rating

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Ingredients (US + Metric)

12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles or pappardelle
1 lb (450 g) hot Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large sliced onion
2 bell sliced peppers (red & yellow)
4 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories:
480
Protein:
24g
Carbs:
45g
Fat:
21g
Fiber:
5g
Note:
Values may vary depending on ingredients used

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Pasta pot & colander
Garlic press (optional)
All tools easily found on Amazon or local stores

Expert Tips & Variation Secrets

Sauce Absorbtion
Wide noodles absorb sauce beautifully so, use pappardelle or fettuccine
Wine Or Chicken Broth
You can use chicken broth and a splash of lemon if you don’t have white wine? Or you don’t like it choice is yours.
Spice Up
For more heat you can add red pepper flakes
Cooking Tip
For the best texture keep it al dente and don’t overcook the noodles/pasta.
Vegetarian?
If you are a vegetarian then you can use plant-based sausage or mushrooms
Low-carb?
To make it low-carb you can swap noodles with zucchini spirals
Kid-friendly?
If you are making these noodles for your kids then use mild sausage and skip the wine

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:
In airtight container/jar 3-4 days
Freezer:
By storing sauce and noodles separately you can store pasta for up to 2 months in freezer.
Reheat:
You can reheat the pasta gently on stove with a splash of water or chicken broth
Why You’ll Love This Recipe A Bit of History & Fun Facts These Italian Drunken Noodles are not traditional Italian or Thai noodles. These noodles are a combo of Italian...

Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Boil the pasta: In the first step, boil/cook noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Then drain and set aside.
2.Cook the sausage: In the second step, take a large pan and heat olive oil. Add and crumble sausage and brown until cooked through.
3.Sauté the veggies: In the third step, add onions and peppers to the sausage, cooking until these get soft (about 6-8 mins) and then stir in garlic.
4.Deglaze with wine: In the fourth step, pour in wine, scraping the bottom to release flavor and then simmer 2-3 mins.
5.Add tomatoes and spices: In the fifth step, stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasoning and then simmer until it gets thickened.
6.Combine: In the sixth step, toss cooked pasta into the sauce and then mix it well.
7.Finish & garnish: In the final step, season the fresh cooked noodles with salt and pepper, sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top.
8.Pro Tip: For deeper flavor let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the wine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • You’ll love these Italian noodles because they are spicy, tangy, and rich in herby flavor in every bite
  • You can impress the whole family by making pasta night with a twist of these noodles.
  • These Drunken Noodles are perfect for busy weeknights because you can make them in under 30 minutes and in one pan

A Bit of History & Fun Facts

These Italian Drunken Noodles are not traditional Italian or Thai noodles. These noodles are a combo of Italian sausages and Thai drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao) and likely originated in American kitchens, and its credit goes to the creative home chefs. Those chefs replaced some ingredients with other best alternatives, such as rice noodles with pappardelle or fettuccine, and soy with tomatoes, herbs, and wine.

The name “Drunken” refers to the usage of wine in the sauce, and it gives a punch of bold flavors to feel almost rebellious. There is no buzz involved in Drunken Noodles despite the name. I’ve shared an authentic Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe for those who want a real cozy taste of an Italian bistro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I skip the wine?
A: Yes, you can skip the wine and use chicken broth and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Q: What type of sausage should I use?
A: Hot Italian sausages are recommended because it give a kick, but you can use mild or even chicken sausage.

Q: Is this a real Italian dish?
A: No, it’s an Italian-Thai fusion recipe of our local Americans and gives an amazing taste.

Final Thoughts

These Italian Drunken Noodles can be your new weeknight love if you are craving flair but comfort food. Fresh herbs, a splash of wine, and spices of the recipe give you a ridiculously satisfying taste of a cozy Italian bistro. Stay tuned and follow us for more heartwarming meals at Recipe.LivingSwag.com

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