Pin It 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 recipe looking for a weeknight dinner that felt indulgent but needed minimal cleanup. The Instant Pot made it simple, and the rich sauce was a true comfort food treat that 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 desired). Leave remaining bacon and fat in the pot.
- Add Garlic:
- 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 the Instant Pot lid. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Quick release pressure when done.
- Prepare Egg-Parmesan Mix:
- While noodles cook, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), and black pepper in a bowl.
- Combine Sauce:
- Open the pot. Working quickly, add the egg-Parmesan mixture to hot noodles, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. The heat cooks the eggs without scrambling them. Add salt to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with reserved bacon, more Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Pin It My kids always ask for extra crispy bacon on top, and we love enjoying together after a busy day.
Required Tools
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, whisk, mixing bowl, tongs or chopsticks
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk, wheat. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 540, Total Fat: 28 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 23 g
Pin It This fusion hack turns pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish every time. Enjoy creamy noodles with a fresh twist.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, by omitting bacon and adding sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables, you can enjoy a vegetarian version with similar savory richness.
- → How do the eggs avoid scrambling when mixed in?
The eggs are whisked with Parmesan and added quickly to the hot noodles, using residual heat to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling.
- → What noodles work best for this dish?
Instant ramen noodles work well due to their quick cook time and texture; breaking them helps submerge evenly during pressure cooking.
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Absolutely, pancetta can be used for a slightly different but still authentic smoky flavor in the dish.
- → Is heavy cream necessary in the sauce?
Heavy cream is optional and adds extra creaminess, but the sauce is still richly textured with just eggs and Parmesan.
- → What garnishes complement the finished dish?
Additional grated Parmesan, reserved crispy bacon, and chopped fresh parsley enhance both flavor and presentation.