Italian Drunken Noodles

Get ready to fall in love with this Italian Drunken Noodles dish! It’s the perfect fusion of bold Italian flavors with the fiery kick of Thai-inspired drunken noodles. The combination of perfectly sautéed pasta, a rich, tangy sauce, and a little bit of heat will have you coming back for seconds—trust me on this one! Whether you’re craving a spicy, saucy dinner or just want to switch things up with your pasta game, these drunken noodles will deliver all the flavor and then some.

Why You’ll Love Italian Drunken Noodles

A Flavor Explosion

The sauce is the star of this dish—made with a mix of white wine, garlic, crushed red pepper, and Italian herbs, it’s bursting with bold, tangy, and savory flavors. The noodles soak up all that goodness, giving you a meal that’s nothing short of amazing.

Spicy & Savory

With a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes and the richness from the wine, this dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy and savory. It’s the kind of heat that builds up, but never overpowers the other flavors.

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so clean-up is a breeze!

Customizable

Feel free to adjust the heat to your liking. You can add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick or go easy on them if you’re not into spice. You can also throw in some extra veggies or proteins to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing

Italian Drunken Noodles are guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. The mix of pasta, spice, and savory sauce makes it a perfect choice for both pasta lovers and those who crave a little heat.

Ingredients

For the Italian Drunken Noodles:

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine Pasta: Long, hearty noodles that will soak up the delicious sauce.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the garlic and help create a rich base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh, fragrant garlic that adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that signature heat! Adjust based on your spice preference.
• White Wine: This is where the “drunken” part comes in! A dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds richness and tang to the sauce, helping to create a perfect balance with the wine and spices.
• Basil and Oregano: These classic Italian herbs infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: To garnish and give the noodles that creamy, cheesy finish.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 6mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 12% DV

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

Ready to make these Italian Drunken Noodles? Here’s how you do it!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom. Pour in the white wine, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Herbs

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate your Italian Drunken Noodles, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles

With Garlic Bread

A side of crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo.

With a Simple Salad

Pair this dish with a light, refreshing salad—maybe something with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the noodles.

As a Standalone

These noodles are hearty enough to enjoy on their own, but if you’re feeling extra hungry, serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Heat

If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also omit them entirely if you’re not into spice.

Wine Substitution

If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth. While it won’t give the same “drunken” flavor, it will still create a rich sauce.

Make it Veggie-Friendly

Add some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies. You can also use a plant-based pasta or leave out the cheese to make the dish vegan.

Make it a Full Meal

For an even heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the noodles. They’ll soak up all that delicious sauce and add extra protein.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! Feel free to use any pasta you like—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine would all work great in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While pasta dishes are best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: What if I don’t drink wine?
A3: You can substitute the wine with vegetable broth or chicken broth, though the flavor will be slightly different. A splash of white vinegar can also add a bit of acidity to mimic the wine’s tang.

Q4: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A4: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. They’ll add great flavor and texture to the dish.

Q5: How spicy is this dish?
A5: The crushed red pepper flakes add a moderate amount of heat. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of pepper flakes or omit them altogether.

Q6: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A6: Yes, you can! Just be sure to chop them finely and cook them down a little longer to achieve a sauce-like consistency.

Q7: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without garlic?
A8: Garlic is a key flavor in this dish, but if you’re avoiding it, you can substitute it with garlic powder or a bit of shallot for a milder flavor.

Q9: How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
A9: The pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard. Check it a minute or two before the package instructions suggest, and taste a piece to see if it’s to your liking.

Q10: Can I freeze leftovers?
A10: While pasta dishes are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a flavor-packed fusion that combines the best of Italian and Thai-inspired cuisine. Spicy, savory, and full of rich, bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your pasta repertoire. Quick, easy, and completely customizable, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or a special meal when you’re craving something a little different. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful pasta, and let the good times roll!

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