When comfort food meets gourmet flavor, the result is something truly special—and that’s exactly what you get with Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles. This hearty recipe combines the depth of Italian spices, juicy sausage, and a generous splash of red wine to create a one-pot meal that’s rich, satisfying, and weeknight-friendly. Designed for busy cooks who crave a home-cooked dinner without the stress, this slow cooker classic lets the ingredients simmer and blend into something unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning an impressive yet effortless dinner for guests, this dish delivers robust flavors that are hard to beat. Serve it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the experience. And if you love meal prepping, it reheats like a dream—making leftovers a pleasure, not a chore.
Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodle
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz wide egg noodles
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Transfer sausage to your slow cooker. Add sliced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
- Stir in basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours to develop flavor.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and mix into the slow cooker.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve warm.
Nutrition & Wellness
This dish provides a great balance of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats—perfect for those on a Mediterranean-style diet. The tomatoes offer a strong dose of lycopene, a heart-friendly antioxidant, while the red wine contains resveratrol, which may support cardiovascular health. By using turkey sausage and whole grain or gluten-free noodles, you can adapt it for lighter or specific dietary needs. The inclusion of vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic boosts the fiber and vitamin C content, promoting digestion and immunity.
Ingredient Spotlight: Red Wine
Red wine isn’t just for sipping—it adds a rich depth of flavor to sauces. Traditionally used in many Italian dishes, dry red wine enhances the umami in meats and tomatoes. It also contains resveratrol, an antioxidant believed to support heart health when consumed in moderation. In slow-cooked meals like this, wine softens the meat and infuses everything with a deep, warming taste that elevates the entire dish.
Variations & Tips
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version. Go vegetarian by replacing sausage with lentils or mushrooms. For a gluten-free option, substitute with rice noodles or chickpea pasta. Want extra richness? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Pecorino cheese before serving.
