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Delicious Italian Drunken Noodles with tomato-wine sauce and spices

Italian Drunken Noodles

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring wide pasta, Italian sausage, garden-fresh vegetables, and a rich, garlicky tomato-wine sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 12 oz wide pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or linguine)
  • 10-12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or red wine
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional drizzle)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Add onion, bell peppers, and zucchini to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Pour in the wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Garnish with fresh basil and extra cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley right before serving. Adjust the spice level by using hot Italian sausage or increasing the chili flakes. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving. For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with mushrooms or lentils.