This creamy carbonara ramen is a rich and comforting fusion dish that blends the silky indulgence of classic Italian carbonara with the satisfying chew of instant ramen noodles. Made in just 10 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for quick lunches, cozy dinners, or even late-night cravings. The combination of egg, Parmesan, and soy sauce creates a creamy, umami-rich sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle strand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of Italian and Asian flavors in one simple dish
- Takes only 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish
- Requires minimal ingredients and is budget-friendly
- Perfect for solo meals or doubling for guests
- Easily customizable with toppings like green onions, chili flakes, or bacon
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pack instant ramen (any flavor, seasoning discarded)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook ramen noodles for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of the noodle water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, grated Parmesan, heavy cream or milk, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
- In the same pot or a skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Return the noodles to the pan with the reserved noodle water.
- Remove from heat, then quickly pour in the carbonara mixture, tossing the noodles thoroughly to create a creamy, silky sauce without scrambling the egg.
- Plate immediately and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 390 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil
- Bacon Carbonara Ramen: Mix in crisp bacon or pancetta pieces
- Extra Creamy: Add an extra tablespoon of cream for a richer sauce
- Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the noodles
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable-based ramen and skip any meat-based additions
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk or water, stirring constantly to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Microwave: Reheat gently in short intervals, stirring in between, though texture may vary.
FAQs
Can I use any type of instant ramen?
Yes, any instant ramen will work. Discard the seasoning packet as it’s not needed for this recipe.
Will the egg be raw in the sauce?
No, the residual heat from the noodles and pan cooks the egg gently, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling it.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, the egg and Parmesan alone will create a silky sauce. The cream simply adds extra richness.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
You can use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even shredded mozzarella for a milder taste.
Is this dish vegetarian?
It can be if you ensure your instant noodles are vegetarian and omit any meat toppings.
How can I prevent the egg from scrambling?
Remove the pot from heat before adding the egg mixture and stir quickly to emulsify the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for a more balanced meal.
What does the soy sauce add to the dish?
Soy sauce adds depth and an umami boost that complements the cheesy, creamy base.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just scale all ingredients proportionally and prepare in a larger skillet or pot.
Can I use freshly made ramen noodles?
Yes, fresh ramen will work beautifully—just adjust the cook time based on package directions.
Conclusion
Carbonara ramen is a delightful and creative way to transform a basic pack of instant noodles into a flavorful, restaurant-style meal. With a creamy sauce made from simple ingredients and infused with garlic and soy, it offers a comforting, satisfying experience in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for one or impressing friends with your fusion skills, this dish is a winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Carbonara Ramen
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
This Carbonara Ramen is a creamy, cheesy fusion of Italian carbonara and cozy instant noodles. Featuring a rich egg-based sauce with garlic, soy, and Parmesan, it’s the ultimate 10-minute comfort meal. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or late-night snack with a savory twist.
Ingredients
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1 pack instant ramen (any flavor, seasoning discarded)
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1 egg
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon butter
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Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
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Cook ramen noodles in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the noodle water.
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In a bowl, whisk together egg, Parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper.
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In the same pot or a pan over low heat, melt the butter and return the noodles along with the reserved noodle water.
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Remove from heat and immediately stir in the egg-Parmesan mixture, tossing quickly to prevent scrambling. Stir until creamy and well-coated.
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Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
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Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a more traditional carbonara flair.
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Adjust soy sauce to taste for more umami.
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Use any ramen brand you like—this recipe is super flexible.
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- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Italian
