Craving a taste of Italy with an Asian-inspired twist? This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a flavor explosion that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! Combining the comforting warmth of Italian sausage with the vibrant zest of Asian-inspired noodles, this dish is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly delicious meal. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist on pasta night. Trust me, you’re going to love this easy Italian Drunken Noodles recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Flavor Explosion: This Italian-style Drunken Noodles dish offers a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The combination of savory Italian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs is simply divine.
Quick and Easy Italian Noodles: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have a lot of time. Quick Italian noodle dishes are always a winner!
Versatile Italian Fusion Cuisine: You can easily customize this Italian fusion cuisine to your liking. Use different types of noodles, add more vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. It’s your culinary canvas!
Comfort Food with a Kick: This dish is both comforting and exciting, offering a familiar warmth with a playful twist. These spicy Italian noodles are the kind of meal that makes you say, “Mmm!” with every bite.

Ingredients

Wide Rice Noodles (or Fettuccine/Pappardelle): The base of our flavorful creation. Rice noodles bring a lovely lightness, but heartier pasta works beautifully too for these Drunken Noodles with Italian Sausage.
Olive Oil: A kitchen essential! We’ll use this to sauté our veggies and sausage to golden perfection.
Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: These vibrant veggies bring a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. They also add a satisfying crunch.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! It adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the sauce.
Onion: A classic flavor base, adding a subtle sweetness and savory note.
Italian Sausage (Mild or Spicy): The star of the show! Choose your favorite – mild for a gentle flavor or spicy for a fiery kick. Remember to remove the casings.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and juiciness.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch (or more!) for those who like a little heat in their Italian Drunken Noodles.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of tangy sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Soy Sauce: A splash of umami goodness that enhances the overall taste.
Dried Oregano and Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring a warm and aromatic touch.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness and color to finish the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of salty, nutty goodness.

Note: The ingredients with measurements will be right below the article in the recipe card.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian sausage cooking in a skillet with vegetables. — Sautéing the sausage and vegetables for the perfect flavor base.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles for Italian-Style Drunken Noodles

Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain them well and set aside. Don’t overcook them – we want them to be perfectly al dente for our Italian-style Drunken Noodles.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage for Drunken Noodles with Italian Sausage

Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic, sliced onion, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook for about 2 minutes, until everything is fragrant and the onion is translucent. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Make the Sauce for Easy Italian Drunken Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, oregano, and basil. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.

Step 6: Combine Everything for Italian Drunken Noodles

Add the cooked noodles and sautéed bell peppers back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve & Garnish Your Italian Drunken Noodles

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious bite of your Italian Drunken Noodles!

Pro Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the sausage and vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets nice and browned.
Taste as you go: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes can make a big difference in these spicy Italian noodles.
Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will be. Choose good-quality Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and ripe cherry tomatoes for your Italian Drunken Noodles.

How to Serve Your Italian Drunken Noodles

Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley: A little extra never hurts!
Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad or a Caprese salad would be a perfect complement to this Italian fusion cuisine.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the finished dish adds a touch of richness and flavor to your Italian-style Drunken Noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage for Italian Drunken Noodles

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in a storage container. — Easy storage tips for leftover noodles.

Freezing

You can freeze the Italian Drunken Noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the Italian Drunken Noodles in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of noodles for Italian Drunken Noodles?

Absolutely! While wide rice noodles are traditional for drunken noodles, you can use fettuccine, pappardelle, or any other type of pasta you like for this Italian noodle dish.

2. Can I make this Italian Drunken Noodles recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this Italian Drunken Noodles recipe vegetarian by substituting the Italian sausage with vegetarian sausage or adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

3. How can I make this Italian Drunken Noodles dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to your Italian Drunken Noodles.

4. Can I add other vegetables to my Italian Drunken Noodles?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to your Italian Drunken Noodles. Broccoli, asparagus, and mushrooms would all be delicious additions.

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish. It’s quick, easy, and sure to please everyone at your table. For more delicious and creative recipes, visit TasteIt Recipes and explore a world of culinary inspiration. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a masterpiece! Enjoy! ✨