If you crave a pasta dish that bursts with hearty flavors and a touch of rustic charm, this Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe is your new go-to. Combining the comforting chew of fettuccine with a luscious sauce infused with red wine, savory Italian sausage, and fragrant herbs, every bite offers a warm embrace of tastes and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is simple yet impressively satisfying, delivering that perfect balance of spice, richness, and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe. Each item is straightforward but vital, bringing distinctive elements that shape the final dish’s vibrant flavor, inviting aroma, and appealing texture.
- 12 oz fettuccine or wide pasta: The broad noodles hold onto the rich sauce wonderfully, creating a perfect union of flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky texture and depth, essential for sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef/chicken): Provides a robust, savory base with loads of character.
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced: Brings sweet, subtle layers to the sauce once cooked down.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, unmistakable Italian flair.
- 1/4 cup red wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version): The star ingredient that gives this recipe its “drunken” personality, enriching the sauce with complexity.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds natural acidity and brightens the sauce’s heartiness.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and heightens the tomato flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Offers just the right amount of heat—adjust to your spice tolerance!
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the Italian sausage perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Adds mild sweet and savory notes that round out the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of color when serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an indulgent finishing touch that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Al dente is ideal here because the pasta will continue to soak up the sauce flavors. Once cooked, drain the pasta but be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water—that starchy liquid is magic later on!
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Aim for a nice golden-brown color—it adds incredible flavor and texture to the dish. Cooking through will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir them gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and release their natural sweetness. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure comfort.
Step 4: Add the Red Wine
Pour in the red wine, carefully scraping the bottom of the pan to release those savory browned bits (fond). Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly and deepening the sauce’s flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works wonderfully too.
Step 5: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Combine all ingredients well, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering stage melds all those beautiful flavors together into something truly special.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Introduce the cooked pasta to your sauce, tossing gently to ensure every strand is lovingly coated. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water—just enough until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Give your dish a final taste. This is when you tweak the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick. Taste-testing here makes all the difference to personalize it perfectly to your palate.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and scatter fresh chopped basil over the top. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, watch the smiles, and enjoy your Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe in all its flavorful glory.
How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant green touch and fresh aroma, making the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese is an irresistible classic that complements the rich tomato-based sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette soaked in leftover sauce is always a crowd-pleaser and completes the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the noodles in rustic bowls and top with a sprig of fresh basil for an authentic Italian feel. You can also plate it atop roasted vegetables for added texture, or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a pleasant crunch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up more sauce, making it even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save servings for later, transfer the cooled noodles and sauce into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that fresh basil and cheese are best added after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring back that freshly-cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe?
Yes! While fettuccine or wide pasta works best to cling onto the rich sauce, penne or rigatoni can also be delicious alternatives depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
No worries. Ground beef, chicken, or even turkey can be swapped in easily. Adding Italian seasoning will help mimic that sausage flavor.
Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to red wine?
Absolutely. Chicken broth or vegetable broth will work nicely and keep the sauce rich without the alcohol component.
How spicy is this Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount according to your liking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready, cook the pasta fresh and combine just before serving to keep the noodles perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. With its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and comforting textures, it’s easy to see why it becomes a fast favorite. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own—enjoy every delicious moment!
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Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful Italian twist on traditional drunken noodles, featuring wide pasta tossed in a savory sausage and tomato sauce infused with red wine and aromatic herbs. This hearty dish combines the richness of Italian sausage with the freshness of basil and a hint of spice, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or wide pasta (your choice)
Sauce and Meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef/chicken)
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use, then set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage (or your choice of ground meat). Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired to balance the flavors and spice level.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of red wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Fresh basil garnish elevates the fresh herb aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
