Samantha There’s something undeniably comforting about a skillet full of pasta that’s smoky, saucy, and just a little bit rebellious. These Italian Drunken Noodles are the kind of dish that wakes up your taste buds and gives classic pasta night a much-needed twist. Think wide ribbons of pasta tangled with spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, fragrant herbs, and a generous splash of wine that simmers everything into savory perfection.
This is my go-to when I want something hearty but crave the complexity of a wine-infused sauce. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner but bold enough to serve guests. The flavors hit all the right notes—earthy, sweet, spicy, and tangy—all in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re winding down from a long day or pouring that second glass of red, these Italian Drunken Noodles deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Italian Drunken Noodles – Spicy Sausage, Pappardelle, and Wine-Infused Tomato Sauce in One Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet or spicy Italian sausage casings removed
- 12 oz pappardelle noodles or fettuccine
- 3 bell peppers assorted colors, sliced
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, cook onion and bell peppers until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine, scraping up bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and cooked sausage. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodles
- Use pappardelle or another wide noodle: Wide pasta like pappardelle clings to the wine-infused tomato sauce beautifully, soaking up every bit of flavor from the spicy sausage and simmered vegetables.
- Brown the sausage for extra depth: Before adding the sauce, let your spicy Italian sausage develop a deep, golden crust. This builds a rich, savory base that enhances the entire skillet meal.
- Deglaze the pan with a bold red wine: Don’t skip this step! A dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon lifts all the caramelized bits off the bottom of the skillet and infuses the tomato sauce with deep, authentic Italian flavor.
- Simmer the sauce low and slow: Letting your wine-infused tomato sauce simmer for at least 15–20 minutes melds the flavors and thickens it perfectly to coat your pasta.
- Toss pasta directly in the skillet: Drain the pappardelle and toss it straight into the sauce while it’s hot. This lets the pasta absorb the spicy tomato wine sauce and brings the dish together like a restaurant-quality Italian noodle dish.
- Add red pepper flakes to taste: Adjust the heat level depending on your preference. A pinch enhances the sausage’s spice, making the Italian drunken noodles bolder and more dynamic.
- Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil: A handful of torn basil and a light drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil give this one-skillet pasta dinner a fresh, glossy finish that elevates the whole dish.
Recipe Overview
Course: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Skill Level: Beginner
Difficulty Level: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Main Ingredients: Italian sausage, bell peppers, pappardelle noodles, garlic, red wine, tomatoes
Best For: Weeknight dinners, cozy nights in, pasta lovers, spicy comfort food fans
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 710mg |
Based on sweet Italian sausage, olive oil, red wine, pappardelle, and vegetables.
Budget Breakdown
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
| Italian sausage (1 lb) | $3.50 |
| Bell peppers (3) | $2.00 |
| Pappardelle pasta (12 oz) | $2.00 |
| Red wine (1/2 cup) | $1.00 |
| Diced tomatoes (1 can) | $1.25 |
| Onion and garlic | $0.75 |
| Pantry staples | $1.00 |
| Total | ~$11.50 / $2.88 per serving |
Behind the Recipe
This recipe is my Italian spin on a Thai classic. “Drunken noodles,” or Pad Kee Mao, are known for their fiery heat and wide noodles. I loved that texture and bold flavor, but I wanted something heartier and more savory without going full spice overload. So I started experimenting with Italian ingredients—juicy sausage, a good pour of red wine, bell peppers, and a garlicky tomato sauce.
The magic is in the wine. It deglazes the skillet, pulling up all those meaty, garlicky brown bits and reducing into a rich, silky base that clings to every noodle. The wide egg noodles soak it all up like a sponge, and the final result feels both rustic and indulgent.
I’ve been making these Italian Drunken Noodles for years now—on cold nights, dinner parties, or when I need a pick-me-up meal. They never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Drunken Noodles
Spicy, Saucy, and Satisfying
These Italian Drunken Noodles bring bold flavor to the table in every forkful. With tender pappardelle noodles coated in a garlicky tomato-wine sauce, juicy chunks of spicy or sweet Italian sausage, and sautéed bell peppers and onions, it’s a pasta dish that truly satisfies. The combination of heat, acidity, and umami makes it one of those meals you crave again and again.
Easy Yet Impressive
Don’t let the rich flavor profile fool you—this Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is surprisingly simple to make. It comes together in just about 35 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. It feels like a dinner you’d get at a cozy Italian bistro, but it’s made entirely at home with pantry-friendly ingredients and one skillet. That’s a win in my book.
High-Protein and Balanced
With 28 grams of protein per serving from the sausage and pasta, plus fiber-packed vegetables like bell peppers, this dish fuels you with staying power. The red wine in the sauce doesn’t just add depth—it also contains resveratrol, a plant compound known for its antioxidant properties. According to Mayo Clinic, moderate amounts of red wine may support heart health when enjoyed responsibly.
Flexible and Family-Friendly
You can dial down the spice for younger palates or swap out the sausage entirely for ground turkey, ground chicken, or a vegetarian meat alternative. Prefer gluten-free? Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Want to make it dairy-free? Skip the Parmesan at the end. This recipe is endlessly adaptable and still delivers on big flavor.
One-Pan Cleanup
One of my favorite things about these Italian Drunken Noodles is that everything happens in one large skillet. You cook the sausage, sauté the veggies, simmer the sauce, and toss in the pasta—done. Fewer dishes and maximum flavor make this one of my go-to comfort meals.
Craving More Pasta with a Twist?
Try these next: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni – Easy One-Pan Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe—it’s another weeknight winner with serious flavor punch.
Perfect For
Cozy Date Nights
Italian Drunken Noodles are the kind of dish that feels luxurious without being overcomplicated. The savory tomato-wine sauce, tender pappardelle, and hearty sausage make it ideal for an intimate night in. Serve it with crusty garlic bread and a glass of the same red wine you used in the sauce, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner that says, “I made this for you.” It’s warm, comforting, and full of bold flavor—perfect for slow conversations and second helpings.
Weeknight Indulgence
Even if it’s just a Tuesday, this pasta gives you permission to slow down and enjoy something special. It’s ready in about 35 minutes, but the layers of flavor taste like it simmered all day. That makes these Italian Drunken Noodles a fantastic choice when you want something indulgent without the wait—or the mess. You’ll only need one skillet to get dinner on the table, which is a win when time (and energy) is tight.
High-Protein Pasta Meal
Thanks to the Italian sausage and whole ingredients, this dish delivers over 28g of protein per serving, making it more than just comfort food—it’s a high-protein pasta recipe that can support your energy needs and curb late-night snacking. According to Nutritionix, protein-packed meals can support satiety, especially when combined with fiber-rich vegetables like bell peppers and onions. This bowl gives you both.
Comfort Food Reset
When I want something hearty but made with real ingredients, Italian Drunken Noodles are my answer. There’s no heavy cream, no processed shortcuts—just sautéed fresh veggies, quality sausage, and a splash of wine to tie it all together. It’s comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down, and it’s a great way to reset with something that feels indulgent but still wholesome.
More Bold Pasta Flavor You’ll Love
Don’t miss this recipe that’s become a fan favorite: One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta (Easy & Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner). It’s another one-pan pasta with serious flavor and easy cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 oz pappardelle noodles (or fettuccine)
- 3 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
Pappardelle Pasta
Its wide ribbons hold onto the sauce beautifully. Substitute with fettuccine or egg noodles if needed.
Italian Sausage
Choose sweet or spicy depending on your heat preference. You can also use ground turkey sausage for a leaner variation.
Red Wine
A bold red (like Cabernet or Merlot) gives the sauce its signature richness. Don’t worry—the alcohol cooks off!
Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes and tomato paste add depth and a silky texture to the sauce.
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, cook onion and bell peppers until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine, scraping up bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and cooked sausage. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan over the top for extra richness.
- Don’t skip deglazing with wine—it deepens the sauce flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer to meld the sausage, wine, and tomato base.
Easy Variations
Vegetarian Italian Drunken Noodles
Craving all the comfort but want to skip the meat? Swap the Italian sausage with a savory mix of sautéed mushrooms and chickpeas. Mushrooms provide a meaty texture while chickpeas bring plant-based protein and fiber. Add a few handfuls of spinach toward the end for extra color and a nutrient boost. It’s a hearty, satisfying vegetarian twist that still delivers bold flavor with every bite. According to EatRight.org, plant-based meals like this can meet your protein and nutrition needs when balanced with the right ingredients.
Gluten-Free Option
Yes, you can still enjoy Italian Drunken Noodles on a gluten-free diet! Choose a high-quality gluten-free pappardelle or fettuccine (look for rice or corn-based versions), and always check your sausage and wine labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten. Many wines are naturally gluten-free, but it’s good to double-check to stay safe. This swap keeps the dish just as flavorful while making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivity.
Spicy Kick
If you love your pasta with a fiery edge, go for hot Italian sausage instead of mild and increase the red pepper flakes. You can also stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or hot sauce to amp up the heat. This spicy version of Italian Drunken Noodles is a crowd-pleaser for those who crave bold, tongue-tingling flavor in their pasta bowls.
Lighten It Up
Want to keep things on the lighter side? Swap traditional pork sausage with chicken sausage, and use whole wheat pappardelle to add fiber and a nuttier flavor. Pair with a crisp side salad or some roasted broccoli for a complete and balanced dinner. This version maintains all the satisfying textures of the original but with a cleaner twist that fits into a more mindful eating routine.
Another One-Pan Wonder You Need to Try
If this saucy skillet dinner speaks your love language, don’t miss: Honey Peach White Cheddar Grilled Cheese – Sweet & Savory Summer Sandwich in 15 Minutes. It’s another crave-worthy meal that’s equal parts easy and impressive.
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the sauce.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the cooked sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Make It a Meal
Pair your Italian Drunken Noodles with these reader favorites:
Also explore more from our Summer Grilling, One-Pan Dinner, and Make-Ahead Lunch tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Drunken Noodles?
Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavor-packed pasta dish made with spicy or sweet Italian sausage, wide pappardelle noodles, and a bold tomato and red wine sauce. It’s inspired by Thai drunken noodles but leans fully into Italian comfort food territory—with rich herbs, hearty vegetables, and the depth of a wine-based sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While pappardelle is ideal for soaking up the sauce, you can absolutely use fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even rigatoni. Just choose a shape that holds up well to thick, chunky sauces.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
It can be! Just opt for sweet Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes to make it mild and family-friendly. Add a little grated Parmesan to keep it cheesy and comforting for younger eaters.
What wine should I use for Italian Drunken Noodles?
Use a dry red wine like Merlot, Chianti, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine reduces during cooking, leaving behind a deep flavor without the alcohol. According to the National Nutrition Council, moderate wine use can have heart-healthy antioxidants—but here, it’s used purely for culinary depth.
Can I make Italian Drunken Noodles dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the cheese garnish and ensure your sausage is dairy-free (check labels—some brands do add cheese). The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
How do I meal prep this recipe?
Prepare the sauce and pasta in advance, but store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. It freezes well too—perfect for busy weeknights.
What should I serve with Italian Drunken Noodles?
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp arugula salad, roasted broccoli, or classic garlic bread. You can also add a side of steamed green beans or a light soup for a full, hearty dinner.
Is this a good post-workout meal?
Yes! Italian Drunken Noodles offers a balanced combo of complex carbs and lean protein—especially when you use turkey or chicken sausage. According to Nutritionix, Italian sausage can provide up to 14g of protein per link, making this a great post-workout recovery meal.
How spicy is this pasta?
The spice level is totally customizable. Use sweet sausage for a milder flavor, or turn up the heat with hot Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes. You’re in control of how bold it gets.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand and double-check that your sausage and wine are certified gluten-free. Many high-quality gluten-free pappardelle options are now available in stores and online.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Italian Drunken Noodles stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in a sealed container and reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
What makes this different from regular pasta with sausage?
The wine-infused sauce really sets it apart. It adds an extra layer of flavor complexity that elevates the entire dish. Plus, the addition of bell peppers and herbs gives it a bolder, rustic feel compared to basic sausage marinara.
Final Thoughts
Italian Drunken Noodles are that bold, satisfying, comfort dish I come back to time and time again. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The wine-rich sauce, hearty sausage, and tender noodles are a match made in heaven—and the leftovers are even better the next day.
So grab that bottle of wine, turn on some music, and let your kitchen fill with the scents of garlic, sausage, and simmering tomatoes. This is pasta night turned all the way up.
“Hearty, saucy, and packed with Italian soul—this one-pan pasta dish is pure comfort in a bowl.” – Sam
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A bold, flavor-packed skillet meal with sweet Italian sausage, red wine tomato sauce, and tender pappardelle noodles that’s perfect for cozy dinners or easy entertaining.
