Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen is one of those dishes that feels like comfort food but packs a punch with every bite. I came up with the idea when I was craving ramen, but I wanted to give it a twist with my love for carbonara. The combination of salty, crispy pancetta and creamy sauce is perfect for the spicy kick in the broth. Every time I make Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen, the kitchen fills with mouth-watering aromas, and I can’t wait to sit down and enjoy it.
Simple yet Flavorful
What makes Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen stand out is how simple it is to put together. The pancetta is fried until crispy, adding a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft noodles. The creamy carbonara-style sauce brings all the flavors together, with a touch of heat from chili flakes and spicy seasoning. It’s a blend of Italian and Japanese influences, creating a whole new experience for your taste buds. You don’t need to be a pro chef to make this—it’s easy, quick, and so satisfying.
Perfect for Any Day
Whether it’s a lazy evening or a busy weekend, Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen is my go-to meal. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but light enough not to make you feel too stuffed. The heat from the chili gives it just the right amount of warmth, especially on a cold day. And the best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to make. That’s what makes Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen the perfect weeknight dinner.
The Secret Touch
The key to a great Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen is balancing the creamy sauce with the right amount of spice. I always make sure to add a bit of extra chili or a splash of hot sauce, depending on how spicy I’m feeling that day. The pancetta brings a smoky richness that complements the noodles and sauce, making every bite better than the last. So next time you’re craving something flavorful, give Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen a try—you won’t be disappointed.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen
- Sautéing Tips: When sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure the heat is medium so they don’t burn. You want to achieve a sweet, aromatic fragrance rather than browning them too much.
- Pancetta Substitutes: If pancetta is hard to find or if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, bacon or turkey bacon work great. Just be mindful of the fat content, as turkey bacon tends to be leaner.
- Perfecting the Cream Sauce: Adjust the heavy cream based on how thick or thin you prefer your sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
- Spice Level: The ramen seasoning can vary in spice level, so taste the sauce as you go. If you want a milder version, reduce the seasoning packet or add a bit of coconut milk to balance the heat.
- Incorporating Veggies: For extra nutrition and texture, consider adding veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers into the pan when sautéing the pancetta and mushrooms.
- Ramen Texture: Be careful not to overcook the ramen noodles. Since you’ll be mixing them with a hot sauce, they’ll continue to cook slightly in the pan.
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan-friendly version, swap pancetta for mushrooms or tempeh, use a plant-based cream, and top with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen
4
servings5
minutes5
minutes567
kcal10
minutesIndulge in the fiery fusion of Italian carbonara and Korean buldak with our Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen! This irresistible dish combines savory pancetta, rich parmesan, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious, spicy cream sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for ramen enthusiasts and spice lovers alike. Elevate your dinner routine with this customizable, hearty bowl that promises comfort and excitement in every bite. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings with this celebrity-inspired creation!
Ingredients
- Proteins
8 oz pancetta diced
- Vegetables
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups mushrooms sliced
- Dairy
1 1/8 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Others
2 packages carbonara-flavored ramen
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon dried parsley optional, for garnish
Additional Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
- Alternative Ingredients:
Pancetta: Substitute with bacon or turkey bacon for a different flavor or lower fat option.
Heavy Cream: Replace with half-and-half or a milk alternative for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Ramen Noodles: Opt for gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free version.
Dried Parsley: Use fresh parsley or basil as a different herb garnish.
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients – Begin by dicing the pancetta, slicing the mushrooms, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. This ensures all components are ready for cooking, streamlining the process and saving time during the actual cooking stages.
- Cook Ramen – Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics – In a nonstick pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Add Pancetta and Mushrooms – Incorporate the diced pancetta and sliced mushrooms into the pan. Stir-fry on medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes, or until the pancetta is crispy and the mushrooms are tender.
- Combine Sauce – Pour the heavy cream into the pan, followed by the seasoning packets from the ramen. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all flavors. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Ramen with Sauce – Transfer the cooked and drained ramen noodles into the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat and garnish with dried parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment
- nonstick pan
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 567kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Spicy Pancetta Carbonara Ramen
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ramen noodles?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute ramen noodles with any pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles.
How do I make the dish less spicy?
To tone down the heat, use less of the ramen seasoning packet, or choose a milder ramen flavor. Alternatively, you can add a bit of coconut milk or dairy (like half-and-half) to soften the spice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the noodles can become soggy over time. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before mixing with fresh noodles.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire dish, you can freeze the creamy sauce in a separate container. Reheat the sauce and mix it with freshly cooked ramen for the best texture.
What can I serve with this ramen to make it a complete meal?
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, or spinach) or a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ramen. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables would also complement the flavors nicely.
