Cabbage Bacon Wafu Pasta

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Easy Cabbage Bacon Wafu Pasta (Japanese-Style Spaghetti Recipe in 20 Minutes)

When I need something quick but still comforting, I often turn to wafu pasta - Japanese-style pasta that blends simple pantry ingredients with familiar flavors like soy sauce and dashi.

This Cabbage Bacon Wafu Pasta is one of those dishes I grew up eating at home in Japan. It’s humble, affordable, and surprisingly satisfying. The sweetness of sautéed cabbage, the savory richness of bacon, and the umami-packed sauce with dashi and soy sauce come together beautifully with spaghetti.

It’s the kind of meal you can throw together in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days, especially with kids waiting for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple, everyday ingredients

• Ready in about 20 minutes

• Kid-friendly and comforting

• A great way to use up leftover cabbage

• Light yet full of umami flavor

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the cabbage - keep a slight crunch for texture

• Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and bring everything together

• Adjust salt and soy sauce depending on how salty your bacon is

• Add butter at the end for extra richness (optional but delicious!)

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RECIPE

Servings: 2-3

Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

• 2 servings spaghetti

• 1/2 small cabbage

• 3 slices bacon

• 3 cloves garlic

• salt & pepper

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pasta water

• 1/2 tbsp dashi powder

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp mirin

Topping:

• kizami nori (shredded seaweed)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

   Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

   Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

   Cut the bacon into small strips.

   Finely chop the garlic.

3. Build the Flavor Base

   Heat a pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

   Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.

   Then add the bacon and cook until slightly crispy and the fat is rendered.

4. Cook the Cabbage

   Add the cabbage to the pan.

   Season with salt and pepper, and sauté until slightly softened but still has a bit of crunch.

5. Combine Everything

   Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan.

   Pour in: reserved pasta water. dashi, soy sauce, mirin

   Toss everything quickly so the sauce coats the noodles evenly.

6. Finish & Serve

   Plate the pasta and top with kizami nori for that signature Japanese touch.

   Serve immediately and enjoy!

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FAQ

What is wafu pasta?

Wafu pasta is a Japanese-style pasta that uses ingredients like soy sauce, dashi, butter, and seaweed instead of traditional Italian sauces.

Can I substitute fish type dashi?

Yes! You can use kombu dashi (sea kelp).

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely - skip the bacon and add shiitake mushrooms for a similar umami depth.

What type of cabbage works best?

Regular green cabbage works perfectly, but napa cabbage can also be used for a softer texture.

Meal Ideas

• If you love easy Japanese meals, try my Japanese Potato Salad

• Pair this with a refreshing side like Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

• Looking for another quick noodle dish? Check out Egg Drop Udon (Tamago Toji Udon)