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Easy Ramen Carbonara

A delightful twist on classic carbonara using ramen noodles, featuring a creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh corn, all ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 590
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 slices bacon Opt for high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best crispness.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Use extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor.
  • 2 large ears corn, kernels sliced off Fresh corn is ideal; frozen or canned are alternatives.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic preferred for aroma.
  • 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme Dried thyme can be used if fresh is not available.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Fresh herbs elevate the dish.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste.
  • 3 squares ramen Use any brand, avoiding the flavor packet.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Room temperature eggs blend better.
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for best melting results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutritional yeast Optional for umami flavor.

Method
 

Cooking Process
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and crumble it, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
  2. Add the olive oil to the skillet, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the corn, red pepper flakes, and thyme; cook for another 5 minutes until the corn softens. Season with salt and pepper, then toss in the basil.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, basil, and nutritional yeast until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a separate pot, bring salted water to boil and cook the ramen according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  6. While the ramen is hot, quickly toss it with the egg mixture until you achieve a creamy consistency.
  7. Add in the corn mixture and crumbled bacon, adjusting seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve immediately, topping with extra Parmesan and basil for presentation.

Notes

For an even creamier texture, add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Prepare the corn mixture and bacon ahead of time for quicker assembly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.