Napolitan Spaghetti (a.k.a. Naporita!) – The Japanese Pasta You Didn’t Know You Needed
When people think of Japanese food, they usually picture sushi, ramen, tempura, miso soup—or maybe a comforting bowl of donburi. Pasta? Not so much. But let us tell you a little secret from our kitchen to yours: Japan does pasta. And it does it really, really well.
One of our all-time favourites is Napolitan Spaghetti, also known as Naporita—a fun, tasty, slightly nostalgic dish made with stir-fried spaghetti, colourful veggies, sausage, and… wait for it… ketchup.
Yes, ketchup. And if you’re raising an eyebrow, don’t worry—so did we at first. But this dish just works. It’s savoury, slightly sweet, totally comforting, and packed with that familiar umami that makes Japanese home-cooking so special.
What Is Napolitan Spaghetti (aka Naporita)?
Napolitan (sometimes spelled Neapolitan) spaghetti is a Japanese twist on Western-style pasta that became popular in post-war Japan. Invented by chefs looking to create flavourful dishes with limited ingredients, this pasta was born in hotel kitchens but quickly became a homely staple.
You’ll find it on café menus all over Japan, loved by kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—simple, nostalgic, and full of flavour.
Why We’re Talking About Pasta at Sushi and Salad
Here at Sushi and Salad, we’re known for fresh sushi, warming ramen, Japanese curry, and flavour-packed bento boxes. But we also love showcasing lesser-known dishes that tell a different story of Japanese food.
We made Napolitan spaghetti in our own kitchen the other day (yes, we took photos!) and we couldn’t believe how good it was. So easy, so tasty—and so fun to make with the kids too!
And that’s why we’re sharing it with you. Because Japanese cuisine isn’t just about sushi and noodles—it’s creative, surprising, and sometimes served with ketchup.
Easy Napolitan Spaghetti (Naporita) Recipe
Ingredients:
2½ strips bacon, cut into 1” pieces (~125g)
125g sausage frank, sliced
2 small red bell peppers, thinly sliced (~200g or 2 cups)
½ white onion, thinly sliced (50g or 1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 large cremini or white mushrooms, very thinly sliced (~325g or 4–5 cups)
½ cup ketchup
1 tbsp soy sauce
340g dried spaghetti (¾ lb)
To Serve:
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional, but delicious)
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon and sausage until lightly browned and crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pan.
In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and red peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add the mushrooms and continue cooking until everything is soft and fragrant.
Return the bacon and sausage to the pan. Add the ketchup and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Add a splash of the pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix until evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano if you’d like a cheesy finish.
And don’t forget to take a photo before you dig in!
Why You Should Try This Japanese Pasta Tonight
Napolitan is comfort food, through and through. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without the fuss. It’s budget-friendly, fun to cook, and a brilliant way to introduce Japanese flavours to little ones (trust us—kids love it!).
So whether you’re looking for easy Japanese recipes, something new to cook with the family, or you’re just curious about Japanese food beyond sushi—give Naporita a try.
From Our Kitchen to Yours – With Love
While we don’t serve Napolitan spaghetti at Sushi and Salad (yet!), we love sharing dishes like this with our community. They remind us how versatile and joyful Japanese food can be.
And if you’re ever nearby and craving something fresh, authentic, and full of flavour, pop into one of our Sushi and Salad restaurants or order a healthy Japanese takeaway. We serve everything from sushi rolls and sashimi to donburi, tempura, and warming bowls of ramen.
Let’s Stay in Touch
We’ll be sharing more easy Japanese recipes, foodie tips, and kitchen stories from our team soon—so keep an eye on our blog and follow us on Instagram. And if you make Naporita at home, tag us. We’d love to see it!
Until next time—happy cooking, and stay curious.