Ramen Carbonara is a fun and delicious fusion dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of Italian carbonara with the quick-cook convenience of instant ramen noodles. With smoky ham, a rich egg and Parmesan sauce, and a touch of garlic, this dish delivers comforting flavors in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, late-night cravings, or anyone looking to try something different with their ramen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creative twist on traditional carbonara using ramen noodles
- Quick and easy—ready in just 15 minutes
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food
- Affordable and uses basic ingredients you likely already have at home
- A satisfying meal for one, but easy to scale up
- Customizable with different meats or vegetarian options
- A fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisines that’s sure to impress
- Rich and hearty without being overly heavy
- Minimal cleanup—only one pan required
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning)
- 1/2 cup diced ham or pancetta
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, but discard the seasoning packet. Drain and set the noodles aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and well-combined.
- Cook the Ham and Garlic: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Brown the Ham: Add the diced ham or pancetta to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, tossing to combine with the ham. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Make the Carbonara Sauce: Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture into the skillet, tossing continuously to coat the noodles. This will create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Season: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the ramen carbonara and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
Variations
- Meat Alternatives: Swap the ham for bacon, sausage, or chicken for different protein options.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheese Variety: Use Pecorino Romano or Gouda instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables for extra texture and nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Ramen Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
FAQs
Can I use instant ramen noodles for this recipe?
Yes, instant ramen noodles are perfect for this recipe and cook quickly, making it ideal for a fast meal.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use any hard, grated cheese like Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, or a mix of both for a flavorful base.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! Omit the ham and use sautéed mushrooms or tofu as your protein, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian version of ramen carbonara.
Can I make this in advance?
While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the noodles for a quicker assembly.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
To make the sauce even creamier, you can add a little extra cream or a splash of pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
Can I use any type of ramen noodles?
While instant ramen noodles work best for convenience, you can use any fresh ramen noodles you like, though cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish without eggs?
If you’re avoiding eggs, you could try using a dairy-based cream sauce (e.g., Alfredo sauce) or a plant-based egg substitute, but the flavor will change.
How spicy is this dish?
Ramen Carbonara is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick if desired.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Ramen Carbonara is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and quick-cook convenience. It’s a creative twist on the classic Italian carbonara, using instant ramen noodles for a fast and satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner, need a quick weeknight dish, or want a fusion snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Simple, delicious, and ready in under 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food upgrade.
Print
Ramen Carbonara
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
This Ramen Carbonara is a fusion twist on the classic Italian dish, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky ham and ramen noodles. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or late-night cravings. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, it’s a rich and satisfying meal that’ll upgrade your instant ramen experience.
Ingredients
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1 pack instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning)
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1/2 cup diced ham or pancetta
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1 egg
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook ramen noodles according to the package instructions (without using the seasoning packet). Drain and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
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In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add diced ham or pancetta to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the ham and garlic.
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Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg and cream mixture, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. Be sure not to scramble the egg.
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Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Plate the noodles and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
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For a richer flavor, you can add a bit more cheese or use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano.
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If you like extra smokiness, use smoked pancetta or ham.
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Be careful not to cook the egg mixture over heat for too long, as it will scramble. Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Fusion
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: talian-Japanese Fusion
