A Hearty Pasta Dish Full of Italian-Inspired Flavor

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Some recipes are perfect for relaxed evenings when everyone gathers around the table and enjoys a comforting homemade meal. Easy Italian Drunken Noodles is one of those dishes—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. It combines tender noodles, savory sausage, colorful vegetables, and a robust sauce into a meal that feels both satisfying and effortless.

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The combination of garlic, herbs, and a splash of red wine creates a deep, savory flavor that transforms everyday ingredients into something special. Sweet peppers and tomatoes add freshness, while Parmesan and herbs provide the perfect finishing touch.

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Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s comforting, versatile, and destined to become a regular favorite at the dinner table.

🍷 Easy Italian Drunken Noodles

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredient	Amount
Wide egg noodles	12 oz (340 g)
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled	1 lb (450 g)
Onion, thinly sliced	1 medium
Red bell pepper, sliced	1
Green bell pepper, sliced	1
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Italian seasoning	1 tsp
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)	½ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Salt	¾ tsp
Marinara or tomato-basil sauce	1 cup
Dry red wine or chicken broth	½ cup
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped	¼ cup

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until softened and lightly tender.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Add the Wine

Pour in the red wine or chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Create the Sauce

Add the marinara sauce and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for another 3–4 minutes to blend the flavors.

Combine with the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss until they are evenly coated in the sauce.

Finish and Serve

Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley before serving.

💡 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the sauce.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Add extra Parmesan at the table for even more flavor.
• Easily double the recipe when cooking for a crowd or special gathering.