Ramen Carbonara

This ramen carbonara combines the comforting flavors of Italian pasta with the convenience of instant noodles. It’s fusion cuisine at its finest!

The combination of crispy bacon, savory Parmesan, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles is simply irresistible.

I love how the eggs and cheese create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every nook and cranny of the noodles. 

Give it a try and experience this East-meets-West culinary adventure for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Ramen Carbonara

Comfort Food Delight: Combining the creamy, cheesy sauce with crispy bacon and tender ramen noodles creates a comforting dish.

Quick Fix: This recipe transforms humble instant noodles into a gourmet meal in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or late-night cravings.

Versatile Dish: This recipe is adaptable and can be served as a main dish for a dinner party or a quick lunch.

Budget-Friendly Indulgence: By using affordable ramen noodles as the base, this recipe offers a taste of luxury without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

• Ramen Noodles: The star of the show, these quick-cooking noodles form the base of the dish.
  
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and irresistible, bacon adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple meal.
  
• Onion and Garlic: This dynamic duo brings a savory sweetness and aromatic punch to the party.
  
• Frozen Peas: These little green gems balance out the richness of the dish.
  
• Large Eggs: The key to a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to every nook and cranny of the noodles.
  
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and packed with umami, Parmesan adds a layer of complexity to the carbonara.
  
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
  
• Red Pepper Flakes: A subtle kick of heat keeps things interesting and leaves you wanting more.
  
• Fresh Parsley: It adds a touch of color and a bright, herbaceous note to finish the dish.

How to Make Ramen Carbonara

This recipe is as easy as it gets!

1. Cook the bacon. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.

2. Saute the aromatics. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Prepare the noodles. While the onion is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions. During the last minute of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water before draining the noodles and peas.

4. Mix the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, cooked onions with garlic, the bacon drippings, salt, and red pepper flakes.

5. Combine the ingredients. Add the hot drained ramen and peas to the bowl with the egg mixture. Immediately toss the noodles to coat them evenly. Stir in the crispy bacon and gradually mix in the reserved ramen cooking water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

6. Adjust and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired. Divide the ramen carbonara between serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Ramen Carbonara

Follow these tips for a dish you’ll never forget.

• Temper the eggs. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, temper them by slowly whisking in a small amount of the hot pasta water before adding the noodles.

• Act fast! Toss the noodles with the egg mixture quickly and thoroughly to ensure even coating and to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

• Choose your consistency. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

• Garnish generously. Top the finished dish with plenty of chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

• Try tasty variations. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute pancetta for bacon or use different types of cheese like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère.

• Make it a feast. Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store

If you have leftover ramen, keep it fresh with these tips.

To Store: Allow the ramen to cool completely, then transfer it to an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the consistency will change.

To Reheat: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.