Description
This Easy Cheesy Ramen recipe transforms simple instant ramen noodles into a creamy, comforting dish with a rich cheese sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines the convenience of packaged noodles with a homemade cheesy twist, garnished with fresh green onions and Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
- 3 packets instant ramen noodles (chicken or beef flavor)
- 1 packet of ramen flavoring (reserved from the packets)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (may not need it all)
- ¾ cup 2% milk (any milk works)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp butter
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (use more for topping if desired)
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Start boiling water for the ramen according to the package instructions. Use the extra water as needed per package directions. Keep one flavor packet aside and discard the rest.
- Cook and drain noodles: Once the ramen noodles are al dente, reserve one cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest of the water. Set the noodles aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In the same pot used to boil the noodles, place it on low heat. Add the butter and gently melt it. Then add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the garlic powder and reserved ramen flavor packet. Keep stirring continuously on low heat until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine noodles with sauce: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the cheesy sauce. Gently fold the noodles into the sauce to ensure even coverage. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the cheesy ramen warm. Garnish with chopped green onions and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to make it cheesier or use extra cheese as a topping.
- Any type of milk works, but 2% milk provides a good balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
- Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
- The recipe uses instant ramen for convenience, but you can enhance it with fresh herbs or additional protein if desired.
