This Italian Drunken Noodle Recipe Has Been a Family Favorite for a While — The Flavors Are Amazing, and We Always Make a Double Batch!

If you’ve never heard of Italian Drunken Noodles, prepare to fall in love. This bold, hearty, and flavor-packed pasta dish blends Italian comfort food with a playful nod to Thai drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao)—but with a Mediterranean twist. It's one of those recipes that once you try it, you’ll be craving it weekly. In our home, it’s become a staple, so much so that we gave up on single batches and just double it every time.

This recipe combines Italian sausage, bell peppers, garlic, wine, herbs, and wide noodles in a rich, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rustic, soul-warming, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

Let’s walk through it step by step.

🍷🍝 What Are Italian Drunken Noodles, Anyway?

While not authentically Italian or Thai, this fusion dish gets its name from the generous splash of wine used in the sauce (hence, “drunken”), and the wide, ribbon-like noodles similar to the ones used in Thai drunken noodles. It’s rich, savory, slightly spicy, and completely comforting. It’s like your favorite pasta dish with a little extra swagger.

🛒 Ingredients (for a double batch — trust us, you’ll want it)

  • 1.5 pounds Italian sausage (spicy or sweet — or a mix of both)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange for color), sliced

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 1 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well)

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

  • 1 pound wide egg noodles or pappardelle

  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional but encouraged)

🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Cook your noodles until al dente, according to the package instructions.

  • Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

  • Remove the sausage from casings if using links, then crumble and cook until browned and cooked through.

  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

  • Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan if needed.

  • Add onions and bell peppers, sautéing for about 6–8 minutes until they’re soft and beginning to caramelize.

  • Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

  • Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  • Simmer for about 2–3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off and the wine to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

  • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  • Add the cooked sausage back into the pan.

  • Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked noodles directly into the sauce.

  • Toss everything together gently so the noodles soak up all the delicious flavors.

🍴 Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more wine to loosen it up.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top.

  • Finish with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

🌟 Why We Always Make a Double Batch

  • Leftovers = Incredible: This dish tastes even better the next day.

  • Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s dinner with friends or a cozy family night, it’s always a hit.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches or weeknight dinners.

  • Freezer Approved: Just cool it completely, then freeze in individual portions for easy future meals.

🍷 Pairing Ideas

Serve this dish with a glass of the same wine used in cooking, or go bold with a red like Chianti or Zinfandel. A side of crusty bread and a light salad complete the meal beautifully.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Italian Drunken Noodle recipe is the ultimate comfort food fusion. It’s saucy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor from the wine, sausage, garlic, and herbs. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just meal prepping for the week, this one is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Try it once, and you'll be saying the same thing we do:
"This has been a family favorite for a while — and every time we make it, we end up doubling the recipe!"