Description

Italian Drunken Noodles bring together the best of two worlds—bold Italian flavors and the concept of stir-fried noodles. Traditionally, “drunken noodles” are known from Thai cuisine, but this playful Italian twist swaps Asian spices for sweet bell peppers, Italian sausage, and pasta coated in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. The dish is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something hearty and comforting but also full of vibrant colors and flavors.

This recipe is often a crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy weeknight go-to meal that looks fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for beginners. The use of turkey sausage makes it a little lighter than typical pork sausage dishes, and the substitution of white grape juice in place of wine ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy it. Imagine twirling wide noodles coated with a fragrant sauce, punctuated with bursts of sweet bell peppers and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz wide pasta noodles (like pappardelle, fettuccine, or even tagliatelle)
1 lb Italian turkey sausage, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup white grape juice (a flavorful alternative to white wine)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside. It’s a good idea to save about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Brown the Turkey Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced turkey sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the edges begin to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, white grape juice, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (that’s where all the flavor is!). Add the Italian seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Everything:
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and give everything a good stir. Add the drained pasta and toss until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta to plates or a large serving bowl. Top with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the pasta looks dry.
Freezing: You can freeze the sausage and sauce mixture (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, cook fresh pasta, and toss it together.
Grape Juice Substitute: If you don’t have white grape juice, you can use apple juice or extra broth for sweetness.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 7 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use regular pork sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Yes! If you prefer a richer flavor, pork sausage works well. However, using turkey sausage makes the dish lighter and reduces the fat content.

2. What’s a good pasta substitute?
If you’re avoiding carbs, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are excellent substitutes. For a more traditional option, whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta will work just as well.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sausage in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Another Italian-inspired dish bursting with garlic and herbs.
Ziti with Sausage and Peppers – A hearty baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp – A simple, garlicky pasta that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

Conclusion:

Italian Drunken Noodles are a perfect fusion of Italian comfort food and quick, easy weeknight cooking. The mix of colorful bell peppers, savory sausage, and wide noodles bathed in a rich tomato sauce feels fancy yet effortless. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to savor those moments of joy that come with a delicious, homemade meal. Buon appetito!