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Italian Drunken Noodles

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Italian Drunken Noodles in a saucepan

When you think of Italian food, what comes to mind? Probably pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna. But there are many other types of pasta dishes that are popular in Italy, including drunken noodles.

This dish is made with pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and it’s a favorite among Italians.

Italian Drunken Noodles

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Italian pasta dish to try, drunken noodle is a perfect choice.

Italian Drunken Noodles dish

The noodles are then simmered in a mixture of white wine and chicken broth until they are cooked through. Parmesan cheese and parsley are then added to the dish for flavor and garnish.

Italian Drunken Noodles served

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do they call them Drunken Noodles?

Many stories revolve around this name. And the most interesting part is that nobody knows which story is actually true! Some say that the recipe contains a good amount of wine; hence the name. However, there’s no alcohol involved in making the drunken noodles. 

Another theory states that a drunk chef added too much wine to the recipe and it turned out amazingly delicious, so people named it drunken noodles.

There’s also a story that tells us about drunk people quenching their thirst with the soup in the noodles, without realizing how spicy it is. 

Regardless of what is the real story behind the drunken noodles, we have a flavorful and savory dish to tantalize our tastebuds!

What makes these Italian Drunken Noodles so special?

One thing that makes any dish special is its taste! The drunken noodles have a distinct spicy flavor that comes from the tomato sauce, herbs, garlic, and cheese added to them. And as everyone loves cheesy creamy food, the drunken noodles serve as a great comfort food option on lazy weeknights. Plus, it is a simple mix-and-stir recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes in just one pot using basic ingredients. 

What is the difference between Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles?

Pad Thai is similar to drunken noodles; however, it is made using thin rice or egg noodles and has a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. On the other hand, drunken noodles are made using a wide variety of noodles and are known for their spicy and tangy taste.

What is the difference between Drunken Noodles and lo mein?

The main difference between drunken noodles and lo mein is the kind of noodles used to make both. Lo mein is made using thin spaghetti-like egg noodles with a relatively runny sauce. Drunken noodles are made using wide rice noodles with a thick sauce that’s a bit more on the spicier side. Also, lo mein is a Chinese noodle recipe, while drunken noodles originate from Thailand. 

Does drunken noodles have alcohol?

Contrary to the name, drunken noodles do not have any alcohol in them. However, we add a little bit of white cooking wine, but I don’t think there’s anything alcoholic or drunken about it! 

Italian Drunken Noodles Video

Ingredients Needed:

  • Egg Noodles cooked to your liking
  • Ground Italian sausage
  • Peppers chopped
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • White cooking wine
  • Can diced tomatoes not be drained
  • Dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to make drunken noodles from scratch?

Step 1. Add the meat and peppers to a large saucepan or skillet with deep sides over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is completely browned and the peppers have begun to soften.

cooking meat and peppers for italian drunken noodles recipe

Step 2. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute 30 seconds longer.

adding minced garlic
adding Italian seasoning

Step 3. Mix in the white cooking wine and saute until the liquid in the pot is reduced by half.

Step 4. Pour the diced tomatoes into the pot along with the dried basil and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well.

adding diced tomatoes
adding basil 

Step 5. Mix in the cooked noodles and continue to saute until heated through.

cooked italian drunken noodles

Step 6. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Enjoy!

Italian Drunken Noodles on a dish

These easy drunken noodles are my favorite Italian dish made with pasta and a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, and can be made in just around half an hour! I hope you enjoy this delicious drunken noodles recipe, if so drop me a comment below and share it with beloved friends!

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Italian Drunken Noodles

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Italian pasta dish to try, drunken noodles is the perfect choice.
4.33 from 122 votes

Ingredients 

  • 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
  • ½ C White cooking wine
  • 28 oz Can diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 1 Tbsp Dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.

Instructions

  • Add the meat and peppers to a large saucepan or skillet with deep sides over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is completely browned and the peppers have begun to soften.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute 30 seconds longer.
  • Mix in the white cooking wine and saute until the liquid in the pot is reduced by half.
  • Pour the diced tomatoes into the pot along with the dried basil and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well.
  • Mix in the cooked noodles and continue to saute until heated through.
  • Top with grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1499IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg
Author: Laura

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