Italian Drunken Noodles

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Looking for a bold and comforting dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor? These Italian Drunken Noodles blend tender egg noodles, savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce that’s simply irresistible. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal with easy cleanup

• Perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors

• Family-friendly but elegant enough for dinner guests

• High-protein, hearty, and satisfying

• Quick cooking time for busy weeknights

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta:

• 12 oz egg noodles: Soft and wide, egg noodles soak up the savory sauce beautifully.

Meat & Vegetables:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Adds bold, spiced flavor and a hearty texture.

• 2 bell peppers (chopped): Brings color and sweetness to balance the richness.

• 3 tsp minced garlic: Enhances the dish with aromatic depth.

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs for authentic Italian flavor.

• 1 tbsp dried basil: Adds sweet, herbal notes.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balance.

Sauce:

• 28 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice): The base of the sauce, providing a chunky texture and vibrant acidity.

Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor.

• Fresh chopped parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of color and freshness.

  Tips and Tricks

  • Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.

  • Deglazing the pan is key to building deep flavor—don’t skip this step!

  • Cook noodles al dente, especially if you plan to let them simmer in the sauce.

  • Add crushed red pepper for a spicier kick.

  • Use fresh basil if available for even brighter flavor.

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  Variations and Customizations

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale before adding the noodles.

  • Try different pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.

  • Add cream: For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.

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  Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls for soaking up the sauce.

  • Pair with a green salad topped with a balsamic vinaigrette.

  • Enjoy with a glass of dry  like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

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  Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

  • To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

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  Popular Questions

  What makes them “drunken” noodles?

  The term refers to the use , which deepens flavor and adds a subtle richness.

  Can I make this ahead of time?

  Yes! The dish reheats well and can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.

  Do I need to use egg noodles?

  No—feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta, but wide noodles do hold the sauce best.

Italian Drunken Noodles

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty and flavor-packed dish brings a rustic Italian twist to classic comfort food. Featuring savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and egg noodles tossed in a rich tomato-, it’s a weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked to your liking

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage

• 2 bell peppers, chopped

• 3 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (do not drain)

• 1 tbsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Peppers

In a large deep-sided skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian sausage with chopped bell peppers. Sauté until the sausage is browned and the peppers start to soften, about 7–8 minutes.

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Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 30 seconds to release the aroma.

Step 3: Deglaze

Pour in the white cooking. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid is reduced by half—about 3–4 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor of the sauce.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes to blend the flavors.

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Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked egg noodles directly into the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

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Notes

• This dish is a comforting blend of Italian flavors and noodle goodness, perfect for busy families or impressing guests.

• It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stove-top
• Cuisine: American

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