There’s something magical about slow-cooked meals—the way flavors meld together, the rich aromas filling your kitchen, and the fact that dinner practically makes itself. Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles are a perfect example of comfort food made effortlessly. Imagine tender Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant garlic simmering in a luscious tomato-wine sauce, all tossed with silky pappardelle noodles. It’s bold, hearty, and packed with authentic Italian flavors. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Comfort Food: Let the slow cooker do the work while you sit back and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma.
Rich and Flavorful: A tomato-based sauce infused with Italian sausage, garlic, and wine for a deep, robust taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Crowd-Pleasing: A family favorite that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or use different pasta types.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles
Italian Sausage: The heart of the dish, adding bold, savory flavor. Use mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful, they bring freshness and a slight crunch.
Onion & Garlic: The flavor foundation—aromatic, rich, and essential for that authentic Italian taste.
Crushed Tomatoes: A vibrant, tangy base that thickens into a luscious sauce.
Red Wine: Deepens the flavor with a rich, slightly fruity undertone—hence the “drunken” name.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for classic Italian flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint of heat to enhance the dish.
Pappardelle Noodles: Wide, ribbon-like pasta that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Fresh Basil & Parmesan: The perfect finishing touch for an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions
Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for a few minutes until softened. Add them to the slow cooker.
Build the Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, red wine, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pappardelle noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain well.
Combine & Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker and let it absorb the sauce for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan, then serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count]
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich, flavorful sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing balances the hearty pasta.
Extra Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan takes it to the next level.
Glass of Wine: Pair with the same red wine used in the sauce for a full-bodied experience.
Additional Tips
Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Swap the Protein: Try ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken instead of sausage.
Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over zucchini noodles.
Alcohol-Free Option: Replace wine with extra chicken broth for a family-friendly version.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the pasta’s texture.
FAQ
Q1: Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker?
A1: It’s best to cook it separately to avoid mushy noodles, but you can add uncooked pasta in the last 30 minutes with extra broth if needed.
Q2: What type of wine should I use?
A2: A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti works beautifully.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
Q4: How can I thicken the sauce?
A4: If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A5: Absolutely! Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even rigatoni work well.
Q6: Do I have to use sausage?
A6: No, you can use ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
Q7: How do I make it extra creamy?
A7: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese before serving.
Q8: Can I add vegetables?
A8: Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.
Q9: What if I don’t have red wine?
A9: Substitute with beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Q10: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A10: Yes! Use the sauté function for the sausage and veggies, then pressure cook for 10 minutes before adding cooked pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with Italian flavors—yet so easy to make! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed winner. So grab your slow cooker, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the magic happen!
Print
Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This slow cooker Italian noodle dish delivers bold, comforting flavors with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Made without red wine, this version is just as rich and satisfying—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
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1 large onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 1/2 cups chicken broth
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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8 oz wide egg noodles
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
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Brown the Sausage
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns.
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Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
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Slow Cooker Setup
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Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the slow cooker.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
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Sprinkle in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
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Slow Cook
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Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
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Prepare the Noodles
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About 20-30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
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Drain and stir them into the slow cooker.
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Final Touches
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Adjust seasonings as needed, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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Notes
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Swap turkey sausage for a lighter option.
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For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or extra zucchini & mushrooms.
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Try pappardelle or gluten-free noodles for a variation.
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Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg