Instant Pot Carbonara Ramen

A quick and creamy fusion of Italian carbonara and Japanese ramen, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot for a comforting meal in just 15 minutes.

This recipe quickly became a favorite for busy weeknights when I want comfort food without the wait.

Ingredients

• Noodles: 2 packs instant ramen noodles (no seasoning packets)
• Meats: 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• Dairy & Eggs: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Aromatics & Seasonings: 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, Salt, to taste
• Garnish (optional): Chopped parsley, Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

Step 1:

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2:

Add minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3:

Break ramen noodles in half and add to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of water. Gently press noodles down to submerge.

Step 4:

Secure the lid. Cook on Manual or Pressure Cook setting for 1 minute. Quick-release the pressure.

Step 5:

While noodles cook, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, heavy cream, and black pepper in a bowl.

Step 6:

When pressure is released, open lid. Immediately pour egg mixture over hot noodles, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce (residual heat will cook the eggs without scrambling).

Step 7:

Stir in cooked bacon. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Step 8:

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

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This ramen hack has brought my family together around the dinner table on hectic nights.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use sautéed mushrooms. Substitute pancetta for bacon for a more traditional flavor. Use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, Tongs or chopsticks, Mixing bowl, Whisk

Allergen Information

Contains: Egg, Milk (dairy), Wheat (ramen noodles), Pork (bacon). Check ramen packaging for soy and other allergen information.

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Enjoy this creamy and comforting Instant Pot Carbonara Ramen any night you crave a quick fusion meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent eggs from scrambling when adding to hot noodles?

Pour the egg mixture slowly into the hot noodles while stirring continuously to allow gentle cooking from residual heat, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling.

→ Can I substitute bacon with another meat?

Yes, pancetta works well for a traditional taste, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.

→ What type of cheese is best for this dish?

Grated Parmesan cheese is recommended, but Pecorino Romano offers a sharper flavor alternative.

→ Is it necessary to quick-release the pressure after cooking noodles?

Yes, quick-releasing pressure stops cooking immediately, preventing overcooked noodles.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of the broth?

Retain some bacon fat when cooking bacon and sauté garlic in it to infuse a richer aroma into the broth.