Japanese-style Napolitan Pasta is a beloved comfort food that has become a classic in Japan. Featuring a tangy and slightly sweet ketchup-based sauce enriched with milk and butter, this dish is loaded with vegetables, sausage, and mushrooms. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines simple ingredients with a unique twist that makes it irresistible. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful pasta recipe with a Japanese touch, this is a must-try!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Pasta and Mix-Ins
- Pasta: 200g
- Onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, cut into strips
- Sausage: 3–4 pieces, sliced
- Mushrooms: 2, sliced
- Butter & Olive Oil: As needed for sautéing
For the Sauce
- Ketchup: 8 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: To taste
- Pasta Cooking Water: 6–7 tablespoons
For Topping
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Powdered Cheese): As desired
- Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
- Chop the Ingredients:
Cut the onion, green bell pepper, sausage, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. - Boil Water for Pasta:
Start boiling a large pot of water for the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine ketchup, milk, butter, sugar, salt, pepper, and pasta cooking water. Stir well to create a smooth sauce base.
3. Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage
- Cook the Onion:
In a frying pan over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent. - Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Once the onion is ready, add the green bell pepper, sausage, and mushrooms. Sauté until all the ingredients are cooked through, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the sautéed mix-ins from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Sauce
- Simmer the Sauce:
In the same frying pan, pour in the prepared sauce base. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce begins to bubble and turns a bright, slightly transparent red. Keep stirring to prevent burning. - Reincorporate the Mix-Ins:
Return the sautéed vegetables and sausage to the pan, gently mixing them into the sauce. Once combined, remove the pan from heat.
5. Final Assembly
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Reheat the sauce slightly if necessary, then add the cooked pasta along with a splash of pasta cooking water. Toss quickly to coat the pasta evenly with the thickened, flavorful sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Plate Your Dish:
Serve the Japanese-style Napolitan Pasta onto plates. - Garnish:
Sprinkle with grated cheese and chopped parsley. Enjoy this delicious, comforting dish while it’s piping hot!
Final Thoughts
This Japanese-style Napolitan Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of home for many and a delightful fusion of flavors for those new to Japanese cuisine. With its rich and tangy sauce, tender vegetables, and savory sausage, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a leisurely family meal. Try it out, and bring a piece of Japanese culinary tradition to your table!
Enjoy this must-try classic that beautifully balances comfort and bold flavors in every bite.
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