Get a Taste of Italy with Bold and Delicious Italian Drunken Noodles

Photo byAngie Bright

There's something about a bowl of pasta that brings comfort, and Italian Drunken Noodles are no exception. This dish combines the hearty satisfaction of wide egg noodles with the rich flavors of ground beef (or turkey), fresh vegetables, and vibrant Italian seasonings. It's a dinner that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. Italian Drunken Noodles are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a go-to for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

This dish earns its "drunken" name from the tomatoes and broth that create a sauce that clings perfectly to the wide noodles, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The balance of savory beef, the sweetness of bell peppers and zucchini, and the kick of garlic and red pepper flakes make it an irresistible Italian-inspired meal. Tossed with fresh basil and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, these noodles offer a delicious mix of comfort and elegance.

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain and set them aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat browns, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. To the same skillet, add the sliced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté everything for around 7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and their flavors mingle.
4. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. For those who like a bit of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to come together.
5. Finally, add the cooked noodles and torn basil into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are well-coated in the flavorful sauce.
6. Serve the noodles hot, and don’t forget to top them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that final touch of cheesy goodness.

The secret to the bold, fresh flavor in Italian Drunken Noodles lies in the final step: adding fresh basil just before serving. This preserves the herb’s bright flavor, making each bite even more delicious. The rich sauce and hearty noodles will satisfy your hunger, while the mix of vegetables adds a nutritious boost to the meal.

This dish is perfect for any night when you're craving something hearty yet vibrant. Italian Drunken Noodles is an ideal option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Its combination of fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and a touch of spice will quickly make it a favorite at your dinner table.

Italian Drunken Noodles is a delicious fusion of hearty Italian ingredients and a playful twist on a traditional Thai favorite. The dish features wide egg noodles combined with ground beef or turkey, vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes for heat. This flavorful meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

If you're looking for a deeper dive into variations, some recipes swap the beef for spicy Italian sausage and incorporate red wine or white wine into the sauce, enhancing the rich, complex flavor. Whether you prefer the heat of red pepper flakes or opt for a milder dish, the combination of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and garlic is universally loved​12 Tomatoes​WhitneyBond.com.

For further inspiration and variations on this recipe, check out sites like 12 Tomatoes and WhitneyBond.com, which offer additional tips like making the dish gluten-free by switching to alternative pasta options, or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste​12 Tomatoes​WhitneyBond.com.