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 hack on a hectic weeknight, craving comfort food but short on time. The fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors was such a hit, it's become one of my go-to meals when I want something special with minimal effort.
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
- Sauté 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.
- Cook garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add noodles & water:
- 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.
- Whisk sauce:
- While noodles cook, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), and black pepper in a bowl.
- Combine:
- Open the Instant Pot. Working quickly, add the egg-Parmesan mixture to the hot noodles, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. Add salt to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with reserved bacon, more Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Save This carbonara ramen quickly became a favorite among my family. My kids especially love swirling the creamy noodles, and my partner always asks for extra bacon on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make this without an Instant Pot? Yes, you can cook the bacon and garlic in a saucepan, then boil the noodles, and finish with the egg-Parmesan mixture off the heat.
Allergen & Nutrition Information
This dish contains eggs, milk, and wheat. Each serving offers about 540 calories, 28 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio and a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich noodles.
Save For a final flourish, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy right away while hot and creamy. This speedy recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, pancetta works well and adds a traditional Italian flavor similar to bacon in this dish.
- → How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
Adding the egg and cheese mixture to the hot noodles off-heat and stirring quickly creates a creamy sauce without scrambling.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for a satisfying, meat-free variation.
- → What type of noodles are best?
Instant ramen noodles work best for quick cooking and texture; discard seasoning packets to control flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, adding peas or spinach boosts flavor and nutrition without overpowering the creamy sauce.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy and savory flavors nicely.