Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make Spaghetti Napolitan:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (any type, but traditionally spaghetti or pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (red, yellow, or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) chicken breast or beef steak, sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup ketchup (the base for the sweet-savory sauce)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Ingredient Highlights
- Spaghetti: The heart of this dish, spaghetti gives the dish its base, allowing it to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also substitute with other types of pasta like linguine or penne if desired.
- Ketchup: The star ingredient that gives Spaghetti Napolitan its signature flavor. The sweetness from ketchup pairs perfectly with the tanginess of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, creating a rich, savory sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the ketchup and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Vegetables: The onion and bell pepper not only add color and texture but also bring a mild sweetness to the dish that complements the savory sauce.
- Chicken or Beef: These meats offer a tender and hearty texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce. You can adjust the amount or choose your preferred protein for this dish.
Instructions
Prepare the Spaghetti Napolitan Sauce:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Protein: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken or Beef: Stir in the sliced chicken breast or beef steak, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and lightly browned. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning the garlic.
Create the Sweet-Savory Sauce:
- Make the Sauce: Once the meat and vegetables are ready, add the ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if desired), and continue to toss until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
Final Touches:
- Finish with Butter: For an extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end. It will melt into the sauce, making the dish silky smooth.
- Serve: Plate the Spaghetti Napolitan, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450-500
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 15g