Cheat noods! When you want ramen but only have spaghetti 🍝

Cheat noods! When you want ramen but only have spaghetti 🍝 is a easy Italian-Asian Fusion recipe that serves 2. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Shota Nakajima on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $14.94 total, $7.47 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Spaghetti Pasta (dry, broken in half for easier eating with chopsticks)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning the boiling water)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder (creates alkaline water, mimicking Chinese noodle texture)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
  • 4 cup Water (for boiling pasta)
  • 2 cup Ramen Soup Base (pre‑made instant ramen broth, warmed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Alkaline Boiling Water

    Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water, add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking powder, then bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  2. Cook the Pasta

    Add the broken spaghetti to the boiling water, stir gently, and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Drain and Rinse

    Using a fine mesh strainer, quickly drain the pasta and give it a brief rinse with hot water to stop cooking.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Combine with Ramen Soup

    Place the hot pasta into a bowl, pour 2 cups of warmed ramen soup base over it, and sprinkle sliced green onions on top.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 80°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Cheat noods! When you want ramen but only have spaghetti 🍝

Recipe by Shota Nakajima

A playful fusion of Italian pasta and Asian noodle techniques. By adding a pinch of baking powder to the boiling water, the pasta gains a subtle alkaline flavor reminiscent of Chinese noodles. Served in a light ramen broth and topped with fresh green onions, this quick dish bridges two culinary worlds.

EasyItalian-Asian FusionServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.94
Total cost
$7.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Adding baking powder to the boiling water to create alkaline conditions.
  • Cooking pasta just to al dente to avoid mushiness after soaking in broth.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use pot handles with oven mitts when moving the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Italian Pasta in Asian Noodles in Italian‑Asian fusion cuisine?

A

This playful dish merges Italy's beloved pasta with the alkaline noodle tradition of Chinese and Japanese cuisine. By adding baking powder, the pasta mimics the slightly chewy texture of Asian noodles, symbolizing a modern culinary dialogue between two food cultures.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of alkaline noodle dishes in Asian cuisine?

A

In Chinese cuisine, alkaline water (often from kansui) creates the firm texture of ramen and lo mein. Japanese ramen uses a similar alkaline solution, while Korean jjajangmyeon incorporates a milder version. Each region tweaks the alkalinity to suit local broth styles.

cultural
Q

How is Italian Pasta in Asian Noodles traditionally served in Japanese‑Italian fusion restaurants?

A

It is typically presented in a shallow bowl of light broth, topped with fresh scallions, and eaten with chopsticks. The broth may be a simple dashi‑based ramen stock, allowing the pasta’s flavor to shine while honoring the noodle‑soup format.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is this Italian‑Asian fusion pasta associated with in contemporary food culture?

A

Chefs often serve it at pop‑up fusion events, food festivals, and themed dinner parties that celebrate cross‑cultural creativity. It’s a crowd‑pleaser for casual gatherings where guests enjoy both pasta and ramen vibes.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑Asian dishes pair well with Italian Pasta in Asian Noodles?

A

Pair it with a side of miso‑marinated grilled eggplant, a small antipasto plate featuring edamame and olives, or a crisp cucumber‑sesame salad. A light sake‑based cocktail also complements the alkaline flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Italian Pasta in Asian Noodles at home?

A

The biggest errors are overcooking the pasta and forgetting to dissolve the baking powder fully. Overcooked pasta turns mushy in broth, and undissolved baking powder leaves a bitter aftertaste.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use baking powder instead of traditional kansui for alkaline noodles?

A

Baking powder is more readily available in Western kitchens and provides a mild alkaline boost without the strong smell of kansui. It achieves a similar texture while keeping the ingredient list simple for home cooks.

technical
Q

Can I make Italian Pasta in Asian Noodles ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the pasta slightly under‑done, rinse, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by immersing in freshly heated ramen broth just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Italian Pasta in Asian Noodles?

A

The pasta should be firm to the bite (al dente) with a subtle sheen from the alkaline water. In the broth, it should float lightly, and the green onion garnish adds a bright green contrast.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Shota Nakajima specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Shota Nakajima focuses on creative fusion cooking, often blending classic Western dishes with Asian techniques and flavors, presented with humor and clear step‑by‑step visuals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Shota Nakajima's approach to fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Shota Nakajima emphasizes playful experimentation, such as adding baking powder to pasta water, and uses informal narration to make complex techniques feel approachable, setting his style apart from more formal culinary channels.

channel

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