Easy Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup marinara or tomato basil sauce
• ½ cup dry red wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup freshly chopped basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
4. Add seasoning and garlic
   Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pan
   Pour in the red wine (or chicken broth). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and pick up all the flavors from the pan.
6. Build the sauce
   Add the marinara sauce and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
7. Combine with noodles
   Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Toss gently until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and heated through.
8. Finish and serve
   Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy!