Absolutely! Here’s a flavor-packed Italian twist on Drunken Noodles—spicy, savory, and saucy, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Italian “Drunken” Noodles
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced (optional, can use shrimp or keep vegetarian)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter for extra richness
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook the protein:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken (or shrimp) until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with wine:
- Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add cooked pasta and protein to the skillet.
- Toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter (if using).
- Finish with fresh herbs:
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes for mild or fiery noodles.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great additions.
- Alcohol-free version: Replace wine with extra broth and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat gently to preserve creaminess and texture.
If you want, I can also give a super-quick 20-minute Italian Drunken Noodles recipe that uses one skillet and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Do you want me to do that?
