Italian Drunken Noodles: A Bold and Flavorful Pasta Twist

Italian Drunken Noodles bring together hearty Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender noodles tossed in a garlicky, spiced sauce with just the right kick. It’s a dish that’s rich, comforting, and layered with bold Mediterranean flavors.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something satisfying and vibrant, Italian Drunken Noodles deliver a pasta experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Flavorful and Hearty: Your New Favorite Pasta Skillet

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe combines everything you love about Italian comfort food — savory sausage, sweet peppers, aromatic garlic, and herbs. The addition of red pepper flakes adds warmth and spice, making each bite lively and satisfying.

Served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan, this pasta dish is rustic, colorful, and bursting with flavor.

Here’s how to perfect it at home, with pro tips to balance the spice and richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles

Use Quality Sausage: Italian sausage brings depth — choose spicy or sweet depending on preference.
Cook Peppers Until Tender-Crisp: They should be soft but still vibrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of wine or broth to pick up browned bits for extra flavor.
Balance Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for a mild or spicy finish.
Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley and Parmesan brighten the rich flavors.

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Name: Italian Drunken Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 tsp salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, sliced; 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Optional: splash of red wine or broth, parsley, Parmesan

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment: Large skillet, knife, tongs

With this method, your kitchen becomes a rustic Italian trattoria, serving up Italian Drunken Noodles that are vibrant, hearty, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb Italian sausage
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup orange bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

(Optional additions: splash of red wine or chicken broth, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese)

Directions

Cook the Sausage: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté red, yellow, and orange peppers with onion until tender, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season: Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or broth if desired.
Combine: Return sausage to skillet. Toss with cooked noodles (pappardelle or fettuccine work best). Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Serve: Plate hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Ready to Relish!

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is rustic, hearty, and bold. With savory sausage, colorful peppers, and a kick of spice, it’s a pasta dish that stands out at the table.

Perfect for cozy weeknights or entertaining friends, this dish always satisfies.

Storage Solutions

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep noodles moist.
Do Not Freeze: Pasta and peppers lose texture when frozen.