Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

Italian Drunken Noodles – Bold, Savory Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

If you’re craving a hearty Italian pasta dish, these Italian Drunken Noodles are packed with bold flavor and comforting ingredients. Made with wide egg noodles, Italian sausage, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, this easy pasta recipe creates a rich, savory sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.

This easy Italian sausage pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners because it’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and full of classic Italian flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2–3 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles or pappardelle according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Cook the onions and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Build the Flavor

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute to release the aromas.

5. Make the Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

6. Simmer

Let the sauce simmer for about 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened and rich in flavor.

7. Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss well so the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce.

8. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley, cracked black pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Benefits of This Recipe

Protein-Rich Meal
Italian sausage provides a good source of protein, making this pasta dish filling and satisfying.

Loaded with Vegetables
Bell peppers and onions add vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness.

Quick Comfort Food
This easy Italian pasta dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home
The combination of sausage, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs creates a rich flavor similar to your favorite Italian restaurant dishes.

Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodles

✔ Use pappardelle pasta for the most authentic texture and sauce coverage.

✔ Choose spicy Italian sausage if you enjoy a little heat in your pasta.

✔ Add parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.

✔ Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

✔ Finish with fresh herbs like basil to brighten the dish

Enjoy