The Ultimate Italian Sausage and Wine Pasta Skillet
By Jason Griffith, Author at ChefManiac.com
Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in under 30 minutes, you’ve found it. This Italian Sausage and Wine Pasta Skillet is my new weeknight go-to. It has all the robust flavors of a classic Italian-American Sunday dinner—savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, bright diced tomatoes, and a rich sauce made with white wine—all tossed together with tender egg noodles.
While you might have been looking for the famous Thai street food known as “Drunken Noodles” (Pad Kee Mao), this Italian-style take on a one-pan pasta is just as addictive and incredibly simple to execute. The wine simmers down to create a fantastic depth of flavor, marrying the sausage and tomatoes into a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of the noodles. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer in maximum flavor for minimum effort, and this recipe delivers on all fronts.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything, aside from boiling the noodles, happens in one skillet. That means less mess and faster cleanup, which is a massive win on a busy weeknight.
- Flavor-Packed: Using ground Italian sausage adds all the seasoning you need—fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes—right off the bat. The white cooking wine deglazes the pan and builds a beautiful, complex sauce base that can’t be beat.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily swap out the sausage or veggies to clear out your fridge (check out the Swaps & Notes section below!).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Egg Noodles | 12 oz | Cooked to your liking (al dente works best) |
| Ground Italian Sausage | 1 lb | Mild or hot, depending on your preference |
| Bell Peppers | 2 large | Chopped (I love using a mix of red and green) |
| Minced Garlic | 3 tsp | About 3–4 cloves, freshly minced is best |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp | A classic blend of oregano, basil, and thyme |
| White Cooking Wine | ½ cup | Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio |
| Canned Diced Tomatoes | 28 oz can | Do not drain; you need the juice for the sauce |
| Dried Basil | 1 Tbsp | Adds a lovely, deep herbal note |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | Start with about ½ tsp each and adjust later |
| Parmesan Cheese | For garnish | Freshly grated is highly recommended |
| Fresh Parsley | For garnish | Chopped, for brightness and color |
Export to Sheets
Swaps and Notes
- Sausage Swap: Don’t have Italian sausage? You can use ground beef or ground turkey, but you’ll need to increase the Italian seasoning and add a pinch of fennel seeds for that classic flavor. For a different comfort flavor, try it with chicken or Andouille sausage like in my favorite Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
- Wine Alternatives: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead, and add a splash of red wine vinegar to introduce a little acidity.
- Noodles: While egg noodles are traditional here, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even a thicker noodle like paccheri. You can also make a lighter version with classic pasta like my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes to wilt into the sauce for extra greens. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.
Instructions: Italian Sausage and Wine Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook your egg noodles according to package directions. You want them to be al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Peppers
Add the ground Italian sausage and chopped bell peppers to a large saucepan or skillet with deep sides over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the meat is completely browned and the peppers have begun to soften, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds longer, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour the white cooking wine into the pot. Bring to a simmer and sauté until the liquid in the pot is reduced by half. This concentrates the wine’s flavor and burns off the alcohol, leaving behind a rich base.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) into the pot. Add the dried basil and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Mix in the cooked egg noodles and continue to sauté, stirring gently, until everything is heated through and the sauce coats the noodles evenly. Remove from the heat. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the noodles al dente (slightly underdone). They will continue to cook briefly when you toss them into the hot sauce in the final step.
- The Wine Reduction is Key: Don’t rush Step 4. Reducing the wine by half is essential for developing the deep, rich flavor of the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce. Does it need more salt? A pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes? A little more pepper for heat? Adjust until it’s perfect.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This hearty skillet is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Salad: A simple Caesar salad or a light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette.
- Bread: A crusty loaf of Garlic Bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Dessert: Follow up this savory meal with a comforting, easy dessert like This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack.
- Drink Pairing: For a refreshing drink to cut the richness of the sausage, I recommend a simple glass of chilled white wine (the same one you used for cooking!) or a glass of This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimate)
(Based on 6 servings. Varies significantly based on specific ingredients and portion size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Export to Sheets
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is fantastic the next day!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat single servings in the microwave. If reheating a larger batch on the stovetop, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out, as the noodles will absorb more liquid overnight.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love the comfort, heartiness, and ease of this one-pan dinner, you’ll definitely want to check out these other favorites:
- For another comforting weeknight meal, try my quick Instant Pot Lasagna.
- If you’re a fan of cheesy, easy comfort food, don’t miss these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Wine Pasta Skillet truly embodies what I love about home cooking: maximum flavor, minimal fuss. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and is guaranteed to earn rave reviews.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know your favorite pasta shape to use in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for more easy, delicious, family-friendly recipes!
Leave a Reply