Save A creamy, savory noodle dish that fuses classic Italian carbonara with quick-cook ramen, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
I first made this dish on a busy weeknight, craving comfort food that didn't require much cleanup. The Instant Pot made everything simple and the flavors surprised my whole family.
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 chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Remove a tablespoon of bacon for garnish if you like; leave the rest and bacon fat in the pot.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add 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 Instant Pot lid. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Release pressure quickly.
- Mix Carbonara Sauce:
- While noodles cook, whisk eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using) and black pepper in a bowl.
- Combine Sauce and Noodles:
- Open Instant Pot. Quickly add the egg–Parmesan mixture to hot noodles, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately with reserved bacon, extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Save My kids love sprinkling extra Parmesan over their bowls, and we always laugh at how simple and delicious this Italian–Japanese mashup is for weeknight dinners.
Required Tools
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, Whisk, Mixing bowl, Tongs or chopsticks
Allergen Information
Contains: Eggs, Milk (Parmesan, cream), Wheat (ramen noodles). Bacon may contain traces of other allergens: check packaging. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 23 g
Save With just one pot and simple steps, you can enjoy creamy carbonara ramen in no time. Try pairing it with a crisp wine to complete your meal.
Common recipe questions
- → Can I use fresh pasta instead of ramen noodles?
Fresh pasta can be used, but cooking times will vary. Ramen noodles cook quickly under pressure while fresh pasta may become mushy; adjust accordingly.
- → How do I prevent eggs from scrambling in the sauce?
Whisk eggs with cream and Parmesan, then stir into hot noodles off heat. The residual heat gently cooks the sauce to a creamy texture without scrambling.
- → What alternatives can replace bacon in this dish?
For a different protein, pancetta or sautéed mushrooms offer great flavors; omit bacon for a vegetarian option.
- → Is it necessary to use the Instant Pot for this dish?
The Instant Pot speeds cooking and combines flavors efficiently, but a stovetop method with timing adjustments can also work.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, additions like peas or spinach can be stirred in after cooking to enhance nutrition and color.