Save to Pinterest 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 after a busy week when I craved comfort food but had only ramen and bacon on hand. The Instant Pot made this indulgent meal effortless and surprisingly delicious.
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.
- Add Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ramen:
- 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.
- Combine and Finish:
- 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 and Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with reserved bacon, more Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest My family enjoyed this carbonara ramen together on a rainy Saturday, laughing over how much better it tasted than regular packet noodles.
Required Tools
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, whisk, mixing bowl, tongs or chopsticks are must-haves for the recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan, cream), and wheat (ramen noodles). Bacon may contain traces of other allergens—always check packaging and labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 540 calories, 28 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This Instant Pot carbonara ramen is creamy and satisfying with minimal effort. Enjoy this comfort classic fusion as your new weeknight favorite.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?
Yes, pancetta makes a great substitute, offering a similar savory richness and texture to the dish.
- → How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling when mixed?
Quickly stir the egg and cheese mixture into the hot noodles off the heat, using residual warmth to gently thicken the sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely, ingredients like peas or spinach can be stirred in during cooking for added freshness and nutrition.
- → Is it necessary to discard the ramen seasoning packets?
Discarding seasoning packets avoids overpowering salt and flavors, keeping the dish balanced and true to carbonara style.
- → How long does the pressure cooking take?
The noodles cook under high pressure for just 1 minute, with a quick release to preserve texture and avoid overcooking.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, omit the bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms to maintain umami richness without meat.