Italian Drunken Noodles are a fiery, comforting twist on a Thai classic, infused with bold Italian flavors. Imagine tender ribbons of pappardelle tangled up with juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all simmered in a spicy white wine tomato broth. It’s a pasta dish that feels like a love letter between Italy and Thailand, and it hits all the right notes: spicy, savory, herby, and a little bit messy in the most delicious way.

What makes this dish extra special is how the wine adds a beautiful depth to the sauce while also softening the richness of the sausage. The ingredients come together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called “drunken” – it’s intoxicatingly good.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

This isn’t your typical pasta dish. Italian Drunken Noodles bring something different to the table with their fusion of Italian soul food and Thai heat. It’s spicy, bold, and deeply flavorful. The sauce is light enough to enjoy year-round, but it still carries enough richness to be satisfying even in cooler months.

Whether you’re entertaining friends or just cooking for yourself, this meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s also highly customizable. Use hot or mild sausage, add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, or toss in fresh herbs from your garden. It’s your dish to make your own.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Pappardelle is our go-to for this recipe because its wide, ribbon-like shape holds the sauce so well and gives a rustic, hearty feel. But don’t worry if you can’t find pappardelle. Fettuccine or tagliatelle make excellent alternatives. If you’re gluten-free, go for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand – just keep an eye on the texture so it doesn’t get too soft.

And while this recipe is called “drunken noodles,” you won’t be using traditional Thai rice noodles here. This is all about that Italian pasta goodness with just a hint of that spicy, saucy inspiration from the East.

Ingredients for the Italian Drunken Noodles

To bring this bold and savory pasta dish to life, you’ll need a handful of simple but flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of heat, depth, and comfort.

Pappardelle Pasta
Italian Sausage
Olive Oil
Garlic
Yellow Onion
Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
Crushed Tomatoes
White Wine
Fresh Basil
Red Pepper Flakes
Salt and Black Pepper
Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Each component here is essential. Pappardelle provides that wide, rustic bite that soaks up every drop of the sauce. Italian sausage brings the savory heat, while garlic and onion lay the flavorful base. The bell peppers add sweetness and color, perfectly balancing the acidic brightness of crushed tomatoes. White wine is what makes this “drunken,” infusing depth and aroma, and fresh basil lifts the entire dish with a burst of freshness. For those who like it spicy, red pepper flakes are your best friend.

How To Make the Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and slightly golden. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add your Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add the Peppers and Wine

Throw in the sliced bell peppers and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your pappardelle pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve about a cup of the pasta water.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen things up. Mix until everything is well coated. Finish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Serving and Storing Italian Drunken Noodles

This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it also serves beautifully as part of a cozy dinner spread. A batch of Italian Drunken Noodles feeds about 4 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining with friends.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life without drying it out. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

What to Serve With Italian Drunken Noodles?

Garlic Bread with Herbed Butter

A warm loaf of garlic bread is a natural match. Slather it in herbed butter and let it soak up the leftover sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

Toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan. The peppery bite and acidity cut through the richness of the noodles.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy and caramelized Brussels sprouts add a hearty veggie side that balances the dish’s spice.

Burrata with Tomatoes

Creamy burrata with fresh tomatoes and balsamic glaze makes for a light yet decadent starter.

Grilled Zucchini Ribbons

Thinly sliced zucchini grilled with olive oil and sea salt adds a smoky, healthy touch.

Antipasto Platter

Cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and a few cheeses offer a savory prelude to the main event.

Red Wine

A glass of Sangiovese or Chianti enhances the wine notes in the sauce and makes the meal feel complete.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If Italian Drunken Noodles left you craving more cozy, saucy, flavor-packed dishes, these recipes from Mia Plates are guaranteed to satisfy:

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a creamy, cheesy comfort bowl.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings steakhouse flavor to your pasta night.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you love one-pot magic.
Creamy Beef and Shells delivers satisfying bites for every palate.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, savory, and simple weeknight cooking.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Try a different wine? Add mushrooms or spinach?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. If you have any questions, ask away — let’s make this dish perfect together.

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