Italian-Style Drunken Noodles

This recipe gets its name from the splash of white wine used to deglaze the pan, which adds depth and a slightly refined flavor to the dish. Spicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender egg noodles come together in a rich tomato-based sauce for a comforting, hearty meal. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and feels like a classic one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family meals.

Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon
Italian sausage 1 lb
Salt 1 teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper To taste
Red bell pepper, sliced 1/2 cup
Yellow bell pepper, sliced 1/2 cup
Orange bell pepper, sliced 1/2 cup
Onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup
Garlic cloves, minced 2
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon
White wine 1/2 cup
Diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (28 oz)
Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons
Egg noodles 12 oz

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until fully browned and crumbled. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer until it has mostly reduced.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can fully blend.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir in the chopped parsley. Cook for another 5 minutes. While the sauce finishes, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Drain the noodles and add them directly to the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. Serve hot.