The Crave Begins
If you’re craving something bold, saucy, and packed with comfort, let me introduce you to my go-to weeknight hero: Italian Drunken Noodles. This dish takes everything I love about hearty Italian sausage pasta and gives it a fiery, wine-infused twist. Picture tender egg noodles tangled with bell peppers, garlic, herbs, and spicy Italian sausage simmered in white wine and tomatoes.
It’s got that punchy, rustic feel of a dish straight out of a countryside trattoria—but made in your own skillet in just 30 minutes. Italian Drunken Noodles are perfect for those nights when you need a meal that hits hard with flavor but doesn’t hit hard on your schedule. Every bite is a craveable combination of savory sausage, juicy veggies, and sauce-soaked noodles that feel like a warm hug.
This one-skillet meal has saved more weeknights in my kitchen than I can count. Whether it’s a quick dinner for the family, a meal prep staple for the week, or a cozy Friday night dish with a glass of leftover wine—this recipe checks every box for convenience, comfort, and craveability.
Italian Drunken Noodles with Spicy Sausage and Wine-Infused Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles or pappardelle
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup dry white wine Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sausage back to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked noodles and chopped basil. Mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and extra basil.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Flavor-Packed Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl
1. Massage your greens: Before layering your lettuce or spinach, give them a gentle massage with a drizzle of olive oil and lime juice. It softens the texture and makes the greens more flavorful. 2. Season your black beans: Don’t just rinse and toss—mix your canned black beans with a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, and salt for extra flavor depth. 3. Sear for char: Grill or sear the chicken until you get golden brown edges. That little bit of char adds a smoky Southwest kick. 4. Chill before serving: Let the assembled bowl sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. It helps the flavors meld and keeps everything crisp and refreshing. 5. Batch your dressing: Make extra Greek yogurt lime dressing—it doubles as a killer dip for veggie snacks or tortilla chips throughout the week.Flavor Snapshot
- Course: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Main Ingredients: Italian sausage, bell peppers, garlic, egg noodles, white wine
- Best For: Weeknight dinners, comfort food cravings, quick pasta meals
Fuel Facts
Nutrition Overview (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
Balanced with lean protein from sausage, healthy carbs from noodles and vegetables, and essential vitamins from the peppers.
Budget Breakdown
Estimated Cost Per Serving
- Italian sausage (1 lb): $4.50
- Egg noodles (12 oz): $2.00
- Bell peppers (2): $2.00
- Onion, garlic, spices: $1.00
- Crushed tomatoes: $1.50
- White wine (1/2 cup from $10 bottle): $1.25
- Parmesan and basil: $1.75
Total Estimated Cost: $14.00 for 4 servings
Cost Per Serving: About $3.50
What’s the Big Deal?
Why Italian Drunken Noodles Deserve a Spot in Your Rotation
One-Skillet Wonder
If you’re looking for a one-skillet Italian dinner, this dish hits the mark. Italian Drunken Noodles comes together in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and quicker cleanup—perfect for those hectic weeknights. The skillet cooking method also locks in flavor from the sausage, aromatics, and wine.
High-Protein & Comfort-Packed
This high-protein pasta dinner features hearty Italian sausage, which delivers approximately 14g of protein per 2 oz serving according to the FDC USDA. Combined with egg noodles, it’s a complete, comforting meal that satisfies hunger and keeps you fueled.
Built for Weeknights
Need a quick and flavorful pasta meal that doesn’t rely on a long ingredient list? This easy Italian sausage pasta recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, using pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, wine, and dry pasta. It’s fast, dependable, and bold in taste—everything a weeknight recipe should be.
Big on Flavor, Light on Fuss
The dry white wine deglazes the pan, lifting all the delicious browned bits left behind by the sausage. This adds deep, nuanced flavor without extra steps or ingredients. Red pepper flakes and Italian herbs bring heat and warmth, giving this rustic Italian noodle dish a spicy, homemade flair.
Naturally Gluten-Friendly Option
Want a gluten-free Italian noodle recipe? Just substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free alternative like rice-based or chickpea pasta. The sauce and toppings remain just as bold and satisfying, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Nutrient-Boosted Base
Bell peppers don’t just add color and crunch—they’re also a nutritional powerhouse. According to Healthline, they’re rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and a range of antioxidants that help combat inflammation. This makes Italian Drunken Noodles a comfort food with a healthy edge.
Best Served When
When to Enjoy Italian Drunken Noodles
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When the clock’s ticking and hunger’s knocking, Italian Drunken Noodles is the ultimate quick comfort food dinner. Ready in just 30–35 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for those evenings when you want bold, home-cooked flavor without a time-consuming process. The one-skillet method means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Ideal for Cozy Family Dinners
This dish brings a warm, rustic Italian dinner vibe that feels like a Sunday supper—but without the hours of prep. It’s hearty, fragrant, and inviting. Lay it out family-style, top with fresh basil and Parmesan, and let everyone help themselves. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table (and keeps them there).
Date Night at Home
If you’re looking to impress with minimal stress, this recipe delivers. The wine-infused sauce, aromatic herbs, and tender noodles create a dish that feels restaurant-worthy. Pair it with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon, and you’ve got a cozy, intimate date night pasta that doesn’t require reservations.
Meal Prep Magic
Italian Drunken Noodles for meal prep? Absolutely. It holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days, and the flavors deepen over time. Just store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of broth or water. According to EatRight.org, reheating meals like this can make dinner prep even faster and help reduce food waste.
When You’re Craving Bold Flavors
Some days just demand a little extra spice. With spicy Italian sausage, garlic, bell peppers, and dry white wine, this dish delivers a deep, punchy flavor that satisfies those big cravings. It’s one of my top bold-flavor pasta recipes when I want something saucy, aromatic, and totally soul-warming.
From My Kitchen Notes
I first made Italian Drunken Noodles on a rainy night when I had leftover wine and a pound of sausage that needed using. I wasn’t aiming for perfection—I just wanted something warm and fast. But when I tossed the wine into the skillet with garlic and herbs, it took on this amazing fragrance. The peppers softened just enough, the sausage browned perfectly, and the wine gave it a rustic, almost nostalgic edge.
It reminded me of Sunday dinners growing up—when something in the kitchen always smelled like garlic, something was always simmering in wine, and pasta was the solution to everything. I grew up in a kitchen where food was about flavor and feeling. This dish has both.
I’ve made it dozens of ways since, but this version is my favorite. It’s forgiving, fast, and full of flavor. No fancy tricks—just real, rustic comfort food. And when friends come over unannounced or I just want to cook something that’ll fill the kitchen with incredible smells—this one’s always in rotation.
Grocery Game Plan
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles (or pappardelle)
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan, for garnish
Notes
- Use sweet Italian sausage if you want less spice.
- For a lighter version, swap sausage for ground turkey.
- Wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a no-alcohol option.
The Fix-Up
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sausage back to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked noodles and chopped basil. Mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and extra basil.
Flavor Twists
Make It Your Own
This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is bold and flavorful on its own, but it’s also incredibly flexible. Whether you’re looking for spicy pasta upgrades, vegetarian-friendly swaps, or ways to pack in more nutrients, here’s how to give this skillet meal your own signature touch.
Add Greens for a Nutrient Boost
Toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the final few minutes of simmering. They’ll wilt perfectly into the sauce, adding color, texture, and nutrition. According to Cleveland Clinic, kale is loaded with vitamins A, K, and C and makes this comfort meal a bit more balanced—especially if you’re looking for nutrient-rich Italian pasta dishes.
Make It Creamy and Luxurious
Want that silky restaurant finish? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese right before serving. This turns your Italian sausage noodle skillet into a creamy, indulgent treat that still comes together in under 40 minutes.
Bump the Heat
If bold spice is your thing, go with hot Italian sausage and don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. You can even add a drizzle of chili oil at the end for extra firepower. This is one of my favorite spicy sausage pasta recipes for when I want to wake up my palate.
Go Meat-Free (Still Packed with Flavor)
For a vegetarian Italian drunken noodles version, swap out the sausage with your favorite plant-based alternative. I’ve had great results with Beyond Meat sausage or spicy seitan. Just be sure to use vegetable broth in place of wine or chicken broth to keep the flavor deep and cohesive.
Add Mushrooms for Umami
If you’re after that rich, earthy flavor, add sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms along with the bell peppers. Sautéing them until browned gives this dish a delicious umami kick, making it one of the best ways to add depth to meatless Italian pasta dinners or just to bulk up the veggie count.
Leftover Love
How to Store & Reheat
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or broth.
- Not freezer-friendly due to the noodles becoming mushy.
Pull Up a Chair
Perfect Pairings from Comfort Food Daily
- Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Explore more crave-worthy recipes from these collections:
Kitchen Talk (FAQs)
What are Italian drunken noodles made of?
Italian drunken noodles are made with egg noodles, Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, white wine, and a finish of fresh basil. It’s a hearty one-skillet pasta dish that blends bold Italian flavors with a splash of wine for depth and aroma.
Can I make Italian drunken noodles without wine?
Absolutely. You can substitute low-sodium chicken broth for the wine without losing flavor. If you want to keep the dish alcohol-free but still rich and balanced, try adding a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the brightness of wine.
What type of wine is best for drunken noodles?
Dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even an unoaked Chardonnay work best. These wines add acidity and complexity without overwhelming the sauce.
Are Italian drunken noodles spicy?
They can be, depending on your choice of sausage and seasoning. Using spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes creates a warming heat. Prefer a milder version? Use sweet Italian sausage and skip the flakes.
How many calories are in Italian drunken noodles?
A serving ranges between 520–580 calories, depending on the type of sausage and noodles used. You can lighten it up by using lean turkey sausage or whole wheat pasta. Learn more about nutritional values of pasta and sausage at Nutritionix.
What’s the best noodle type for this dish?
Egg noodles are traditional, but pappardelle, fettuccine, or gluten-free wide pasta work beautifully. You want something with surface area to soak up that wine-tomato sauce.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes! Italian drunken noodles are one of the best meal prep Italian sausage pasta recipes because they hold up well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cook the noodles slightly under al dente if you plan to reheat throughout the week.
Can I make gluten-free Italian drunken noodles?
You sure can. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, like brown rice or chickpea noodles. Be sure to also check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free certified. Learn more about identifying gluten in packaged foods from the FDA.
What protein alternatives can I use besides sausage?
You can swap the sausage for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like Beyond Sausage. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn this into a lean Italian pasta dinner without compromising on that meaty bite.
How can I reduce the sodium in Italian drunken noodles?
Use low-sodium sausage, no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, and go light on salt during cooking. You can also skip the added Parmesan and season with herbs and lemon zest instead. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Final Bite
Italian Drunken Noodles is the kind of dish that feels like it’s been passed down through generations—even if you just made it up on the fly. It’s got depth, heat, and heart. Every bite is saucy, rich, and loaded with the kind of bold Italian flavors that make dinner feel like a reward.
But more than that—it’s approachable. You don’t need special equipment or fancy ingredients. You just need a skillet, a little wine, and a lot of love for comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s the kind of meal that turns ordinary nights into memorable ones, and leftovers that you’ll actually look forward to.
Make it once, and I guarantee it’ll earn a regular spot at your dinner table.
“Saucy, spicy, and wine-kissed—this one-skillet wonder is Italian comfort food with a bold kick.” — Molly
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Egg noodles, spicy sausage, peppers, and garlic all wrapped in a tomato-wine sauce—this 30-minute skillet dinner is rustic Italian fusion at its best.
