Italian Drunken Noodles are a bold and savory dish that combines the flavors of perfectly cooked spaghetti, Italian sausage, and a creamy, rich sauce. The key to the dish’s name lies in the white wine and chicken broth that infuse the noodles with a depth of flavor, making each bite irresistibly delicious. This hearty pasta dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, or even for impressing guests at your next dinner party. The balance of spices, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the creaminess of the sauce make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Drunken Noodles are often associated with spicy Thai food, but this Italian twist brings in robust Italian flavors and a rich, creamy sauce that makes for a comforting meal. The white wine adds a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the sausage and cream. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making this dish customizable for all tastes. Whether you enjoy a hint of heat or a more mild, creamy pasta, Italian Drunken Noodles will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful

With the combination of Italian sausage, white wine, and chicken broth, this dish packs a punch of flavor that will excite your taste buds.

2. Easy to Make

Despite the complex flavors, Italian Drunken Noodles come together quickly with simple ingredients, making it a great weeknight dinner.

3. Creamy and Comforting

The addition of heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the noodles perfectly, making each bite indulgent and comforting.

4. Versatile

You can easily adjust the heat and seasoning of the dish to suit your taste. Add more spice if you like heat or mellow it out for a milder dish.

5. Perfect for Entertaining

The rich flavors and beautiful presentation make this dish ideal for serving guests at a dinner party or special occasion.

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

Add Vegetables

You can include other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to add more flavor and texture to the dish.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick that complements the richness of the sausage.

Swap the Sausage

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage.

Use Different Pasta

Feel free to swap the spaghetti for any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and white wine. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the liquids to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and thickened.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat the noodles evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are well coated and heated through.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture.
Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest and richest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream.
Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the sausage, be sure to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when you add the chicken broth and white wine. This will add depth to the sauce.
Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or using a spicier sausage if you prefer more heat.

How to Serve

Italian Drunken Noodles are best served immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is creamy. Serve it as a main dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the sausage and vegetable mixture without the cream. Once defrosted, cook the pasta and then add the cream and cheese to finish the dish.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra broth or cream to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with any sausage you prefer, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the sausage with a vegetarian sausage or use mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

3. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage to give it an extra kick.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to swap the spaghetti for any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

5. How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use a lighter version of heavy cream or substitute with milk or half-and-half. You can also opt for turkey sausage for a leaner protein.

6. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content. These can be added alongside the bell peppers.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture in advance and then cook the pasta and add the cream just before serving.

8. How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly?

Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when bitten into.

9. Can I use a different type of wine?

Yes, you can use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio in place of the wine called for in the recipe.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to freeze the sausage and vegetable mixture separately and then add the cream and pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Italian Drunken Noodles combine rich, savory flavors with a creamy sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal. With its Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and the perfect balance of wine and broth, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these noodles offer a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will impress everyone at the table.