These Italian Drunken Noodles offer a delightful twist on classic pasta, infusing it with the robust depth of red wine and a hint of spice. This dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a rich marinara sauce, garlicky aromatics, and optional protein and veggies, creating a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: Sauté Garlic In a large skillet, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The garlic should be fragrant, not browned.
3. Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine Pour in the 1/2 cup dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and allow the alcohol to cook off, leaving behind its rich flavor.
4. Step 4: Add Marinara and Protein/Veggies (Optional) Stir in the 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference). If you are using optional protein (4 oz Italian sausage or shrimp), add them now and cook until fully cooked through. For added vegetables, toss in any sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during this step and cook until tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss it gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or you prefer a looser consistency, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired texture. Sprinkle in the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and even more delicious.
6. Step 6: Serve Hot Divide the noodles among plates or bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.