Cozy Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles for a Comforting Dinner

Italian cuisine is full of comforting dishes that make both your heart and taste buds happy.

Slow cooker Italian drunken noodles offer a luxurious twist on classic pasta dishes.

Many people enjoy this delicious recipe for its rich flavors and easy preparation.

The dish brings together tender meats, fragrant herbs, and bold spices in a simple cooking process.

Using a slow cooker turns basic ingredients into something extraordinary with little effort but great results.

These hearty noodles promise a satisfying meal that truly captures the warmth and coziness of Italian-inspired food.

What Makes Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles Great

• Effortless Meal Prep: Slow down your cooking stress with this hands-off recipe that requires minimal active preparation. Just brown the sausage, toss ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day.
• Flavor-Packed Family Dinner: Packed with rich Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and robust vegetables, this dish delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both adults and kids. The hearty combination ensures everyone leaves the table feeling happy and full.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The slow cooking method allows flavors to develop deeply, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Time-Saving Convenience: With just 15 minutes of initial prep and 6-8 hours of hands-off cooking, this recipe is ideal for working professionals or busy parents. Simply set up your slow cooker in the morning and return to a delicious, fully prepared dinner.

All You Need For Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

• Italian Sausage: Rich and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the dish, best when fresh and high-quality.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the slow cooker mixture, enhances overall flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide texture and sweetness, choose fresh and crisp.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that complements the Italian sausage, fresh cloves recommended.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy base to the sauce, canned varieties work well.

• Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that create authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying overall flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce's richness and provides concentrated tomato flavor.

• Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that absorbs the rich sauce, provides hearty base for the meal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds final layer of flavor, freshly grated preferred.
• Fresh Basil: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Sizzle And Crumble Sausage

• Heat a skillet over medium flame
• Drop in Italian sausage
• Break sausage into delicious crumbly pieces while cooking
• Continue until meat turns golden brown and develops rich color
• Transfer entire sausage mixture into slow cooker

Step 2: Layer Flavor Builders

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced bell peppers
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Chicken broth
• Tomato paste

• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Slow Simmer Magic

• Stir all ingredients thoroughly
• Cover slow cooker
• Cook on low temperature
• Allow flavors to meld together
• Simmer for 6-8 hours

Step 4: Noodle Preparation

• Cook egg noodles following package instructions
• Drain noodles completely
• Gently fold noodles into slow cooker mixture
• Let noodles absorb surrounding flavors

Step 5: Final Flourish

• Taste and adjust seasonings
• Sprinkle generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese
• Scatter fresh basil leaves on top
• Serve hot and enjoy

Helpful Ideas For Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

• Sizzle and Separate Sausage: Break the Italian sausage into small, even pieces while browning to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Add herbs and spices directly into the slow cooker to allow ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
• Optimize Noodle Timing: Cook egg noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal spice preference, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually.
• Enhance Freshness Wisely: Sprinkle fresh basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and maximize its aromatic qualities.

Storage And Reheating For Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover noodles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Freezing Method: Pack cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Well With Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a bold, medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and tomato flavors.
• Bread Companion: Serve crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Salad Balance: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the hearty dish's richness and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
• Herbal Drink Accent: Enjoy a refreshing basil-infused iced tea that echoes the recipe's herbs and offers a light, cooling accompaniment.

Ways To Switch Up Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify sausage does not contain gluten.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or crumbled firm tofu. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.
• Spicy Kick Option: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky spiciness.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash. Choose lower-carb chicken sausage and reduce tomato quantities.

Common Questions About Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles

• What ingredients give these noodles their unique flavor?

The combination of Italian sausage, bell peppers, herbs like basil and oregano, and the tomato base create a rich, robust flavor profile that makes these noodles incredibly delicious.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

While Italian sausage is recommended for authentic taste, you can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for a similar hearty result. Just ensure the meat is well-browned before adding to the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level, or omit them completely for a milder version.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

Not at all! This slow cooker recipe is beginner-friendly. The process involves simple steps like browning meat, chopping vegetables, and letting the slow cooker do most of the work.

Delectable Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Simmering with Italian passion, these Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodles bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Hearty sausage, peppers, and wine-soaked pasta create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (453 g) Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Noodles and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 g) wide egg noodles
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the savory Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, methodically breaking the meat into small, uniform crumbles until golden and fully cooked.
2. Transfer the caramelized sausage pieces directly into the slow cooker, ensuring no delectable browned bits are left behind.
3. Layer the aromatic trinity of chopped onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers atop the sausage in the slow cooker.
4. Cascade the vibrant diced tomatoes with their rich juices, followed by chicken broth and a robust dollop of tomato paste across the ingredients.
5. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of dried basil, oregano, fiery red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to infuse deep Mediterranean flavors.
6. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring each component is thoroughly integrated and coated with the seasoned liquid.
7. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer and meld on low temperature for 6-8 hours, developing rich, complex flavors.
8. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, prepare egg noodles in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
9. Introduce the tender noodles into the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate and absorb the luxurious sauce.
10. Taste and refine seasonings, then crown the dish with a generous snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Garnish with delicate, torn fresh basil leaves for a final burst of herbal brightness before serving.

Notes

• Customize sausage by using mild or spicy versions to match personal heat preferences and flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles for low-carb and celiac-friendly alternatives without compromising taste.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra ground meat or plant-based meat substitutes for vegetarian adaptations.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium broth and checking salt content in canne

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg