Name: Italian Drunken Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz wide noodles (pappardelle or fettuccine); 1 lb Italian turkey sausage, sliced or crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup white grape juice (or dry white wine); ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Plate of Italian Drunken Noodles garnished with fresh herbs

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Why Make This Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles are a delightful mix of comfort food and spicy flavor. This dish brings together wide, chewy noodles and tasty Italian turkey sausage, making it a hearty meal. The colors from the bell peppers and the fresh basil brighten the plate, while spices and garlic add a delicious kick. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends!

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients

12 oz wide noodles (pappardelle or fettuccine)
1 lb Italian turkey sausage, sliced or crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup white grape juice (or dry white wine)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and peppers. Cook them until they are softened but still bright, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Deglaze and Build Sauce: Add the white grape juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
Simmer and Combine: Return the cooked sausage to the pan and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes. Toss in the cooked noodles, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles

Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is great on its own or accompanied by a simple side salad or garlic bread.

How to Store Italian Drunken Noodles

To store leftover Italian Drunken Noodles, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use any leftover vegetables you have on hand for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.

Variation

You can change up the protein by using ground beef or chicken instead of turkey sausage. You can also try adding different vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more variety.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! You can use any type of wide noodle, like linguine or even udon noodles. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.

2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.

3. How do I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.