Spaghetti Napolitan Recipe – Japanese Special
Spaghetti Napolitan (or “Napolitan”) is a Japanese-style pasta dish inspired by Western cuisine (Yōshoku). Unlike Italian spaghetti, it features a sweet and savory ketchup-based sauce with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and sausages or ham. First created post-WWII in Yokohama, it’s comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun twist on pasta night.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time25 min
Spaghetti Napolitan Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti
- 1 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4–5 sausages or slices of ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cook the Pasta:
Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies and Meat:
In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and sausages or ham. Sauté until vegetables are tender and meat is slightly browned.
Add the Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Mix well and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Combine with Pasta:
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Plate the pasta, then top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes :
Pasta Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta before adding it to the pan so it finishes cooking with the sauce and absorbs flavor.
Protein Choices: You can use bacon, chicken, or plant-based sausages as alternatives.
Sweetness Balance: Add a small splash of milk or cream for a creamier version.
Kids’ Favorite: This dish is a big hit with kids due to its sweet-savory ketchup base.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or Tabasco if you prefer heat.
