Save A quick, creamy fusion dish blending Italian carbonara with the bold flavors and convenience of ramen noodles. Perfect for a satisfying meal in minutes!
This dish combines the comfort of cheesy carbonara with the ease of instant ramen, making weeknight dinners both fast and delicious.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 2 packs instant ramen noodles (flavor packets discarded)
- Sauce & Dairy: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving), 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Meats (optional): 3 slices bacon or pancetta, diced (omit for vegetarian)
- Flavor & Seasoning: 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, Salt to taste, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions (without seasoning packets). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Step 2:
- While noodles cook, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 3:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon or pancetta until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan (add butter if omitting meat).
- Step 4:
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Add cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter and garlic.
- Step 6:
- Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately pour in the egg and cheese mixture tossing quickly to coat the noodles and create a creamy sauce. Add reserved noodle water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7:
- Stir in crispy bacon or pancetta (if using). Season with salt to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Save My family loves this quick fusion meal especially on busy weeknights, sharing smiles over bowls of cheesy, savory ramen.
Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra veggies and nutrition.
Pairings
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy flavors.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain creaminess.
Save This creamy carbonara ramen will soon become your go-to meal for quick comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or pancetta and sauté the garlic in butter or olive oil instead for a rich vegetarian option.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from scrambling the eggs?
Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture and toss quickly to coat noodles evenly, using reserved noodle water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- → What noodles work best for this fusion?
Instant ramen noodles without flavor packets are ideal for quick cooking and absorb the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach can be added to enhance texture and nutrition.
- → What seasoning complements this dish?
Freshly ground black pepper, salt to taste, and optional red chili flakes for a spicy kick balance the creamy, savory flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in under 15 minutes?
Yes, with prep and cooking streamlined, the total time from start to finish is about 15 minutes.