Save A creamy, savory noodle dish that fuses classic Italian carbonara with quick-cook ramen, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight, and was amazed at how quickly dinner came together. It's an easy way to get classic comfort with the fun twist of ramen.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Meats: 4 strips bacon, chopped
- Dairy: 2 large eggs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 2 cups water
- Seasonings: ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground, Salt, to taste
- Garnishes (optional): Extra grated Parmesan, Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Bacon:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Remove a tablespoon of bacon for garnish if desired. Leave the rest and bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Noodles:
- Add ramen noodles (broken in half if needed) and 2 cups water. Stir to submerge noodles.
- Pressure Cook:
- Seal the Instant Pot lid. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Quick release the pressure when done.
- Mix Sauce:
- While the noodles cook, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), and black pepper in a bowl.
- Make Carbonara:
- Open the Instant Pot. Working quickly, add the egg-Parmesan mixture to the hot noodles, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce (the heat will cook the eggs without scrambling them). Add salt to taste.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with reserved bacon, more Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Save This fusion noodle dish became a quick favorite for our family movie nights–everyone enjoys the creamy ramen topped with crispy bacon bits.
Required Tools
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, whisk, mixing bowl, tongs or chopsticks
Allergen Information
Contains: Eggs, Milk (Parmesan, cream), Wheat (ramen noodles). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 540 calories, 28 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein.
Save This carbonara ramen is creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Serve with extra Parmesan and parsley for a touch of freshness.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute bacon with pancetta?
Yes, pancetta works well and adds a similar savory depth to the dish while maintaining authentic Italian flavors.
- → How does the egg mixture cook without scrambling?
The residual heat from the freshly cooked noodles gently cooks the egg and cheese mixture, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and sauté mushrooms in its place to add umami and texture to the dish.
- → What type of noodles should I use?
Instant ramen noodles are ideal for quick cooking and absorb the sauce well, but other thin noodles can also work.
- → Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream is optional and adds extra richness, but the sauce is creamy enough without it due to the eggs and cheese.