Italian Drunken Noodles (Pasta Ubriaca): A One-Pan Italian Classic Full of Flavor and Comfort
If you’re craving a hearty, rustic Italian meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, look no further than Italian Drunken Noodles, also known as Pasta Ubriaca. This dish takes simple ingredients—Italian sausage, bell peppers, garlic, and white wine—and transforms them into a rich, comforting pasta that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen.
With its playful name and deep, complex flavors, this one-pan recipe combines the boldness of Italian sausage with the brightness of white wine and tomatoes, all tossed together with tender egg noodles for a meal that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Italian Drunken Noodles
This dish is the perfect mix of comfort food and classic Italian flair. The “drunken” element comes from the splash of white wine that enriches the sauce, giving it a beautiful depth and aroma.
What makes it truly special is that it’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles (Pasta Ubriaca)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Italian masterpiece:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wide egg noodles | 12 oz |
| Ground Italian sausage (mild or hot) | 1 lb |
| Bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced | 2 |
| Garlic, minced (about 3 cloves) | 3 teaspoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) | ½ cup |
| Diced tomatoes, undrained | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Dried basil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| For Garnish | |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | As desired |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | As desired |
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
Follow these simple steps for a one-pan pasta that delivers big, bold Italian flavors:
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Toss the noodles lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half—this step infuses the sauce with incredible depth and richness.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and dried basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Toss with the Noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles directly into the sauce, tossing gently until every strand is coated in that rich, garlicky tomato mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or a bit more wine to loosen it up.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.
🍷 Chef’s Tip: For an extra “drunken” twist, you can use red wine instead of white for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Flavor Profile: Rustic, Savory, and Aromatic
Italian Drunken Noodles are the perfect marriage of Italian spice, wine-infused sauce, and tender pasta. The sausage adds richness and a touch of heat, the bell peppers bring sweetness and color, and the white wine enhances the overall complexity with subtle acidity.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and umami, with the egg noodles soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, soulful, and deeply satisfying.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is incredibly versatile—try these creative twists to make it your own:
- Swap the sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for more heat, or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions to the sauce.
- Use red wine: Red wine gives a richer, heartier flavor—perfect for cooler nights.
- Change the pasta: Egg noodles give a soft, buttery texture, but you can also use fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a velvety, tomato-cream sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Drunken Noodles pair beautifully with a simple salad and crusty bread. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping into the sauce
- A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chianti to complement the wine in the sauce
This dish stands on its own but also makes a perfect centerpiece for an Italian-inspired dinner spread.
Storing and Reheating
- To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or wine to refresh the sauce.
- To freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Ubriaca
- Use good-quality wine—if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.
- Don’t skip the wine reduction step; it concentrates flavor beautifully.
- Cook noodles al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
- Finish the dish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for restaurant-quality results.
Final Thoughts
Italian Drunken Noodles (Pasta Ubriaca) is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience. The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, aromatic garlic, and wine-kissed tomato sauce creates a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Every forkful captures the spirit of Italian home cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and love in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish promises to impress and satisfy—every single time.