Craving bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and quick prep all in one meal? This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe brings together the best of Italian-inspired ingredients and Asian-style stir-fry techniques. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or light lunches
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy stir-fry for busy weeknights
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Loaded with fiber-rich vegetables and gluten-free noodles
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Naturally dairy-free and easily made vegan
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Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile
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Perfect for clean eating and healthy lifestyle diets
Ingredients Breakdown
Rice Noodles: Light, naturally gluten-free, and ideal for absorbing sauces.
Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats with rich Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic: Aromatic and immune-boosting.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a hint of sweetness.
Broccoli: Nutrient-dense and great for texture.
Snap Peas: Crisp, fresh, and rich in vitamins.
Soy Sauce: Brings umami and savory depth.
Honey: Balances the saltiness with subtle sweetness.
Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat to elevate the flavor.
Green Onions: A fresh garnish with a mild bite.
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Tips and Tricks
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Don’t overcook rice noodles—they should be tender but not mushy.
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Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if the noodles stick or dry out during stir-frying.
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For extra protein, add cooked tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken.
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Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegan Version: Ensure honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
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Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
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Add Protein: Stir in scrambled eggs, tofu cubes, or sliced beef.
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More Veggies: Try mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded cabbage.
Pairing Suggestions
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Side Dish: Serve with a crisp cucumber salad or miso soup.
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Drink: Pair with iced green tea, sparkling water, or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio.
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Dessert: Finish the meal with fresh fruit or lemon sorbet.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
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Not recommended for freezing as rice noodles can become mushy after thawing.
Popular Questions
What are Italian drunken noodles?
This is a fusion stir-fry recipe inspired by Thai drunken noodles, but made with Italian flavors and ingredients like olive oil and bell peppers.
Can I use another type of noodle?
Yes, linguine, fettuccine, or egg noodles all work, but rice noodles keep it gluten-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can easily be adjusted to your preference.
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Italian Drunken Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
A fun, Italian-inspired twist on a Thai classic! These savory, slightly spicy rice noodles are tossed with colorful veggies in a sweet and tangy soy-honey sauce. It’s a quick, veggie-packed weeknight dinner that’s bursting with bold flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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8 oz (226g) rice noodles
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup snap peas
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Boil rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are bright and just tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Add the cooked rice noodles and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Transfer to plates or bowls and top with freshly sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
Notes
This flavorful stir-fry offers a unique twist on classic pasta and noodle dishes. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a fast, healthy dinner without sacrificing bold flavor. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy it fresh from the skillet for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-Asian
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