I made this Ramen Carbonara on a busy evening when I wanted something comforting but fast, and it instantly became a favorite. The noodles soak up the creamy sauce so well, and the crispy bacon adds just the right crunch. I honestly didn’t expect ramen and carbonara to work together this perfectly, but they do.
Every bite feels rich, cozy, and satisfying, much like a southern chicken salad recipe balances flavors in a fresh, hearty way. This is one of those recipes I know I’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients
- 9 ounces ramen noodles – regular instant ramen noodles work best because they hold the sauce well and don’t break apart easily.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – keeps the noodles from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- 8 slices bacon, chopped – adds salty, crispy texture; cook until well browned for best flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – brings depth and aroma without overpowering the dish.
- 2 large eggs – create the creamy carbonara-style sauce without using cream.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – melts smoothly and tastes richer than pre-grated cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – adjust carefully since bacon and cheese already add saltiness.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground gives the best flavor.
- 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped – adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.
Note: serves several.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize depending on your taste or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and ensure your bacon substitute is plant-based.
- Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even a soft-boiled egg on top.
- Spicy version: Sprinkle in chili flakes or drizzle a little chili oil before serving.
- Herb alternatives: Swap basil with parsley or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Meat swap: Pancetta or guanciale can be used instead of bacon for a more traditional carbonara feel.
Cooking Time
This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this recipe.
- Large pot: used to boil the ramen noodles.
- Large skillet: for cooking bacon and combining everything.
- Mixing bowl: to whisk eggs and cheese together.
- Tongs or pasta fork: helps toss the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Cheese grater: for freshly grating Parmesan.
How to Make Ramen Carbonara Recipe
This recipe is simple and straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking.
Cook the Ramen
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and toss with olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This mixture will become the creamy sauce once it meets the hot noodles.
Cook the Bacon and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove excess grease if needed, then add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Combine the Noodles
Add the cooked ramen noodles directly into the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Toss everything together so the noodles absorb the flavors.
Finish the Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately pour in the egg and cheese mixture. Toss quickly and continuously so the eggs cook gently and form a creamy sauce. Finish with basil and black pepper, then serve immediately.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe a few times, here are some tips that really helped me improve it:
- I always remove the pan from heat before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling.
- Saving a little noodle cooking water helps loosen the sauce if it thickens.
- I’ve learned that freshly grated cheese makes the sauce smoother and richer.
- I like adding extra black pepper right before serving for more flavor.
- Using good-quality bacon makes a noticeable difference in taste.
How to Serve Ramen Carbonara Recipe
Serve this dish immediately while it’s hot and creamy. I like using shallow bowls or wide plates so the noodles spread nicely. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or a pinch of black pepper for a polished look. A light side salad or sautéed vegetables pairs well with the richness of the dish and complements flavors like a southern chicken salad recipe.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of the nutrition per serving.
- Calories: approximately 630 kcal
- Protein: about 25 g
- Carbohydrates: roughly 43 g
- Fat: around 40 g
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating:
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended since the egg-based sauce can change texture and become grainy when thawed.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a small splash of water or milk to help restore the creamy consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this recipe a standout favorite:
- Quick and simple: It comes together in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Comforting and creamy: Rich flavors make it perfect for cozy meals.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Highly customizable: Easy to adjust with add-ins, spices, or substitutions.
- Unique fusion: Combines the best parts of ramen and carbonara in one dish.
Ramen Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and toss with olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This mixture will become the creamy sauce once it meets the hot noodles.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove excess grease if needed, then add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles directly into the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Toss everything together so the noodles absorb the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately pour in the egg and cheese mixture. Toss quickly and continuously so the eggs cook gently and form a creamy sauce. Finish with basil and black pepper, then serve immediately.
Notes
- I always remove the pan from heat before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling.
- Saving a little noodle cooking water helps loosen the sauce if it thickens.
- I’ve learned that freshly grated cheese makes the sauce smoother and richer.
- I like adding extra black pepper right before serving for more flavor.
- Using good-quality bacon makes a noticeable difference in taste.
