If you’re a fan of Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) but want a hearty Italian twist, then Italian Drunken Noodles is the perfect dish for you! This flavorful fusion recipe blends spicy Italian sausage, pappardelle pasta, bell peppers, and a wine-infused tomato sauce, creating a dish that is bold, savory, and utterly delicious.

Unlike the Thai version, which uses rice noodles and Thai basil, this Italian-inspired variation replaces them with traditional Mediterranean ingredients. The result? A comforting, rich, and slightly spicy pasta dish that’s easy to make at home.

➡️ Curious about how Italian cuisine evolved into the flavorful dishes we love today? Check out this History of Italian Cuisine to explore its origins and influences.

➡️ If you’re wondering which wine pairs best with this dish, take a look at this guide on wine pairings for pasta to elevate your dining experience!

What Makes Italian Drunken Noodles Unique?

This dish is a creative spin on the classic Thai Drunken Noodles, replacing Asian flavors with Italian ingredients while keeping the essence of the dish intact.

Key Elements of Italian Drunken Noodles:

✅ Pasta: Pappardelle noodles are ideal due to their wide, flat shape, which helps soak up the sauce. Learn more about other hearty pasta dishes like Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon.
✅ Protein: Spicy Italian sausage brings heat and depth of flavor. Check out Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions for another sausage-based dish.
✅ Vegetables: A combination of bell peppers, onions, and garlic adds a natural sweetness and crunch.
✅ Sauce: A wine-infused tomato base enhances the richness of the dish.
✅ Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley tie everything together with a fresh, aromatic finish.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients:

🔸 8 oz pappardelle noodles
🔸 4 spicy Italian sausage links (casings removed)
🔸 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
🔸 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange, thinly sliced)
🔸 4 cloves garlic (minced)
🔸 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🔸 ½ teaspoon black pepper
🔸 ½ cup white wine (or substitute with chicken stock)
🔸 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
🔸 ¼ cup fresh basil (julienned)
🔸 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
🔸 Olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

Boil pappardelle noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pan, cook the onions and bell peppers until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.

4️⃣ Deglaze with Wine:

Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and deepen the sauce’s flavor.

5️⃣ Simmer the Sauce:

Add diced tomatoes with their juices and return the sausage to the pan.
Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6️⃣ Combine & Serve:

Toss in the pappardelle noodles and mix well so that every strand is coated in the sauce.
Stir in fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

⭐ Bold, balanced flavors – The sweet bell peppers, spicy sausage, and rich tomato sauce create an unforgettable dish.
⭐ Quick & easy – Perfect for a weeknight meal, ready in under an hour.
⭐ Highly customizable – Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or experiment with different herbs.

💡 Looking for more comfort food inspiration? You might enjoy The Ultimate Guide to Chicken and Dumplings for another heartwarming dish.

Variations & Substitutions

🔹 Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes.
🔹 Seafood Twist: Try shrimp or scallops for a Mediterranean touch.
🔹 Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
🔹 Extra Cheesy: Add freshly grated parmesan for a creamy, umami boost.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, easy-to-make pasta dish, Italian Drunken Noodles is a must-try! This Thai-Italian fusion is a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and richness, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.

✅ Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it!
✅ Do you have your own twist on this dish? Share your variations in the comments!

Buon Appetito! 🍝✨

Italian Drunken Noodles: A Bold Fusion of Italian & Thai Flavors

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

This is a take on classic Italian dishes. There are many varieties of Italian Pasta dishes other than lasagna, Spaghetti, These Italian Drunken Noodles are a highly popular dish in Italy. A truly simple dish made with pasta, tomatoes, garlic and herbs, there is not much effort involved in making this dish any night of the week or for any type of event or celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

12oz Egg Noodles , cooked to your liking
1lb Ground Italian sausage
2Bell peppers , chopped
3tsp Minced garlic
1tsp Italian seasoning
½C White cooking wine
28oz Can diced tomatoes, not drained
1Tbsp Dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Add the meat and peppers to a large saucepan or skillet with deep sides over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is completely browned and the peppers have begun to soften.
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute 30 seconds longer.
Mix in the white cooking wine and saute until the liquid in the pot is reduced by half.
Pour the diced tomatoes into the pot along with the dried basil and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well.
Mix in the cooked noodles and continue to saute until heated through.
Top with grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for garnish.