Description
Looking for a bold and comforting dinner idea? This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe combines spicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, wide pappardelle noodles, and a splash of white wine for a flavor-packed dish that’s fast, easy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, a hearty weeknight meal, or an impressive yet easy recipe for guests, this dish checks every box. It’s rich, rustic, and layered with the kind of savory goodness that turns simple ingredients into a showstopper. Perfect for lovers of easy pasta recipes, dinner ideas, or anyone searching for the ultimate Italian-American comfort food.
Ingredients
12 oz pappardelle noodles
1 lb Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine
14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
1/4 cup chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add bell peppers and sauté for 4–5 more minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Return sausage to the skillet and simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use quality Italian sausage for bold, authentic flavor.
Don’t overcook the noodles—al dente is key for perfect texture.
Add heavy cream at the end for a creamier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Italian drunken noodles, easy dinner recipe, pasta with sausage, weeknight pasta, comfort food, quick pasta dinner