Ina Garten Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles is a comforting pasta dish that blends Italian sausage, bell peppers, garlic, and onions in a rich tomato-wine sauce tossed with wide noodles. The “drunken” part comes from white or red wine used to deglaze the pan, infusing the sauce with deep, savory flavor. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.

What Are Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles?

This dish combines elements of Italian cooking with a rustic, pasta skillet style. It typically uses wide egg noodles or pappardelle, Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a splash of dry wine to build a rich sauce. The result is a hearty, one-pot pasta that’s bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying—ready in under an hour.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Profiteroles
• Ina Garten Frozen Berries with Hot White Chocolate
• Ina Garten Broccoli Pasta
• Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• Rich, wine-infused sauce that clings to every bite
• Easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup
• Perfect weeknight or weekend comfort food
• Loaded with vegetables and protein
• Can be made spicy or mild
• Balanced with acidity, herbs, and creaminess
• Leftovers taste even better the next day

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white or red wine
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Cook vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced peppers and onion. Cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 4: Deglaze with wine

Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced slightly.

Step 5: Add tomatoes and seasonings

Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Step 6: Combine and toss

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained noodles and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Stir in fresh herbs just before serving. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• Garlic bread or focaccia – Ideal for soaking up the sauce
• Fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette – Adds brightness
• Roasted vegetables – A healthy and simple side
• A glass of red or white wine – Mirrors the dish’s flavor base
• Marinated olives or antipasto platter – Perfect for starters
• Caprese salad – Light and fresh to balance the richness
• Grilled eggplant or zucchini – Pairs well with Italian herbs

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• Use quality sausage – It’s the main flavor driver in the dish
• Deglaze thoroughly with wine – Builds depth and richness
• Don’t overcook noodles – They’ll continue to cook in the skillet
• Adjust spice level to taste – Omit or add more chili flakes
• Stir in fresh herbs at the end – Keeps flavors bright and fresh
• Use fresh garlic, not jarred – For bold, aromatic flavor
• Double the batch for meal prep – It stores and reheats well

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• Make it vegetarian – Use mushrooms or lentils instead of sausage
• Try with shrimp or chicken – For a lighter protein option
• Add cream at the end – For a luxurious, creamy finish
• Use spinach or kale – Stir in for extra greens
• Swap noodles for penne or rigatoni – Use what you have
• Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes – For a Mediterranean twist
• Top with burrata or ricotta – Adds creamy richness

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• Refrigerate in airtight container – Keeps well for up to 4 days
• Cool completely before storing – Helps prevent sogginess
• Freeze in portions if needed – Best within 1–2 months
• Label with date if freezing – Easy tracking
• Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating – Ensures even warming

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles

• Use stovetop with a splash of broth or wine – Restores moisture
• Microwave gently in short bursts – Stir between intervals
• Avoid high heat – Prevents noodles from drying out
• Stir in fresh herbs or cheese when reheating – Boosts flavor
• Add a touch of olive oil – Helps separate noodles and refresh the texture

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 430
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg

A bold, flavorful pasta dish packed with protein, veggies, and Italian comfort.

FAQs

Why are they called Italian drunken noodles?

The name comes from the use of wine in the sauce, which adds depth and richness to the dish. “Drunken” refers to the alcohol-infused cooking method, not actual intoxication.

What type of wine should I use for Italian drunken noodles?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Chianti works well. The wine should be drinkable and not overly sweet.

Can I make Italian drunken noodles without sausage?

Yes, you can substitute sausage with mushrooms, ground turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.

What kind of pasta works best for drunken noodles?

Wide egg noodles or pappardelle are ideal because they hold the sauce well and mimic the traditional texture of the dish.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Italian Drunken Noodles are rustic, rich, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a hearty family dinner, this recipe brings classic Italian flavor with just the right twist of elegance and ease.

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