Save to Pinterest A creamy, savory noodle dish that fuses classic Italian carbonara with quick-cook ramen, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
When I first experimented with the Instant Pot and this carbonara ramen hack, I was amazed at how it came together so fast and tasted better than most takeout noodles. It quickly turned into my lazy weeknight favorite.
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 minutes. Remove a tablespoon for garnish. Leave the rest and bacon fat in the pot.
- Add 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.
- 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. Add the egg-Parmesan mixture to the hot noodles, stirring vigorously to make a creamy sauce. Add salt to taste.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with reserved bacon, more Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest This ramen was a hit for a movie night at home–even my picky brother grabbed seconds without hesitation.
Required Tools
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, whisk, mixing bowl, tongs or chopsticks
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan, cream), wheat (ramen noodles). Check bacon packaging for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 23 g.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting bowl on busy nights. The fusion is sure to impress at any casual dinner table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular pasta instead of ramen noodles?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Adjust water and pressure cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- → How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling when adding to noodles?
Stir the egg and cheese mixture into the hot noodles quickly and vigorously off heat to create a creamy sauce without scrambling.
- → Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Omit bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to maintain depth of flavor.
- → Can I prepare this without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can sauté bacon and garlic on the stovetop, cook noodles separately, and combine with the egg mixture, but timing and technique differ.
- → What garnishes work best with this dish?
Extra grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and reserved crisp bacon enhance flavor and presentation.