Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodle is a hearty and comforting pasta dish that combines Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and tender pappardelle noodles. The “drunken” part comes from the addition of wine, which enhances the flavors and gives the dish a rich, savory depth. Cooking this meal in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making it a perfect hands-off meal for busy days.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodle
- Rich and Flavorful: The wine, Italian sausage, and herbs blend together for a deeply flavorful sauce.
- Easy Slow Cooker Recipe: Set it and forget it—this meal is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner without much effort.
- Family-Friendly: This comforting pasta dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
- Customizable: You can add vegetables or switch up the meat to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
8 oz pappardelle pasta (or other wide noodles)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes). Once browned, transfer the sausage to the slow cooker. - Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker. - Add the Tomatoes and Wine
To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, red wine, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together. - Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The sauce will develop deep flavors as it simmers. - Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before the sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle pastaaccording to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Add Cream (Optional)
If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream about 15 minutes before serving. Let it warm through while the sauce continues to cook. - Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is finished, stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker, mixing until the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Alternatively, you can spoon the sauce over the pasta when serving. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodle
- Use Quality Wine: Since the wine is a key flavor in this dish, use a red wine that you enjoy drinking. A good Chianti or Merlot works well.
- Creamy Option: Adding heavy cream at the end makes the sauce velvety and rich. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip this step.
- Pasta Timing: Cook the pasta just before you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t overcook. Tossing it in the sauce at the last minute helps absorb the flavors.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and texture, add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Drunken Noodle: Use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version of the dish.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use fettuccine, tagliatelle, or any other wide noodles if you can’t find pappardelle. Even shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni works.
Q2: What can I substitute for wine?
If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute with beef broth or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
Q4: Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodle is a flavorful, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its rich tomato and wine-based sauce, tender sausage, and hearty noodles, this dish is sure to be a hit. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a truly satisfying meal!
