Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

If you love Italian food and noodles, this recipe is for you. Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe are fun and bold. They taste like a mix of pasta and a little “party” in the sauce.

I make this when I want a quick meal that feels special. It is easy, tasty and full of flavor. You can make it in under 30 minutes. This Italian drunken noodles recipe will become a fast favorite in your home.

Why I Love Making This Italian Drunken Noodles

I first tried Italian drunken noodles at a small family dinner. My aunt made it with leftover pasta and a splash of wine.

The aroma was amazing. It smelled like garlic, tomato and herbs. I loved how the noodles soaked up the sauce. It felt cozy and fancy at the same time.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It is simple, yet it tastes like you cooked all day.

Equipment List

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Italian Drunken Noodles
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian Fusion
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Italian Drunken Noodles

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Boil the pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and cook until soft.

3. Add garlic and mushrooms

Stir in garlic and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms turn brown.

4. Add cherry tomatoes

Add tomatoes and cook until they soften and release juice.

5. Pour in the wine

Add white wine and let it simmer for two minutes.

6. Add marinara sauce

Pour in marinara sauce and mix well with veggies.

7. Add herbs and spices

Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

8. Mix pasta with sauce

Add pasta to the skillet. Toss until noodles are fully coated.

9. Add Parmesan

Sprinkle Parmesan and mix. Let it melt into the sauce.

10. Garnish and serve

Top with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use leftover pasta for faster cooking.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein.
• Replace wine with broth if you don’t drink.
• Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
• Use fresh basil for stronger flavor.
• Add olives for a tangy twist.

History or Fun Fact About the Dish

The name “drunken noodles” usually refers to Thai food. But this Italian version is a fun twist. It uses wine in the sauce. Wine helps bring out deep flavors.

In Italy, cooking with wine is very common. It makes sauces taste richer and more complex. This recipe is a playful fusion of Italian cooking and modern noodle dishes.

Pairings & Complementary Recipes

This dish goes well with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Caprese salad
• Simple bruschetta

Occasion or Event Ideas

Italian drunken noodles are great for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Movie nights
• Family gatherings
• Date nights
• Potluck parties

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
• Add extra Parmesan before serving.
• Do not freeze; sauce may separate.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	16 g
Carbs	72 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	8 g

Health Benefits

This dish has a good balance of carbs and veggies. Tomatoes add vitamin C and antioxidants. Mushrooms add fiber and minerals.

Using olive oil gives healthy fats. You can also add chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Overall, it is a balanced and satisfying meal.

FAQs about Italian Drunken Noodles

Q1: Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. It will still taste great.

Q2: Can I use different pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne or linguine works well.

Q3: How spicy is this dish?
It is mildly spicy. You can adjust red pepper flakes as you like.

Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the wine or use vegetable broth. Add more veggies instead.

Q5: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the sauce earlier. Reheat and add pasta later.

Final Thoughts

Italian drunken noodles are easy, fun and full of flavor. It is a perfect meal for busy days. The sauce is rich and the noodles taste amazing.

Try it once and it will become a regular recipe. This dish makes dinner feel special, without much work. Enjoy cooking and share it with your loved ones!