These Easy Italian Drunken Noodles are a fun twist on classic noodles! With colorful veggies, garlic, and a splash of white wine, they pack a punch of flavor that is hard to resist.
I love how quick this dish comes together. It’s like a secret party in your pan! Just boil the noodles, toss everything together, and you’re ready to eat – cheers to that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti is classic, but linguine works just as well. If you want a gluten-free option, try chickpea or brown rice pasta. Both can hold up well in this dish!
White Wine: Dry white wine adds flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, vegetable broth or a splash of vinegar mixed with water can be a good substitute. It will provide some acidity without the alcohol.
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for cooking, but you can switch it out for avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point. Just pick an oil you enjoy for its taste!
Basil: Fresh basil brings a vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil can work too—just use about a tablespoon instead of a quarter cup.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables to Keep Them Crisp?
Sautéing is key to keeping your veggies vibrant and slightly crunchy, adding great texture to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat before adding oil. This makes sure your veggies cook instantly when added.
- Start with onion and garlic, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers next. Cook just until they’re soft but still colorful (around 5 minutes).
Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that can steam the veggies. If you need to, cook them in batches for the best results!
Easy Italian Drunken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta noodles (spaghetti or linguine works well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or yellow)
- 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes sautéing the veggies and combining everything together. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and adding a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain it well but don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This will create a lovely base for the dish!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the cherry tomatoes and bell pepper slices to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the tomatoes start to break down a little.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the white wine and stir to scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for around 2-3 minutes so it can reduce slightly and enhance the flavors.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles in the sauce and heat them through. This should take just a couple of minutes.
6. Final Touches:
Now it’s time to add the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together once more, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Italian drunken noodles immediately with extra freshly grated Parmesan and basil on top if you like. Enjoy every bite of this quick, flavorful meal!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option if you’re looking for something healthier, while gluten-free pasta can work perfectly as well. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions for whichever type you choose, as they might differ slightly from regular pasta.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, vegetable broth is a great substitute that maintains moisture and flavor. You can also mix a bit of vinegar (like white wine or apple cider vinegar) with water to mimic the acidity of wine without the alcohol.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply remove the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegetarian cheese option. For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a plant-based cheese substitute. Just make sure to check that your pasta is egg-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to bring the noodles back to life and prevent them from drying out.
