Description

Pesto Ramen is a quick and flavorful fusion dish combining creamy, herbaceous Italian basil pesto with savory ramen noodles in a warm, comforting broth. Perfectly balancing rich and fresh flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight, featuring customizable proteins and vegetables to suit all tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

150g Ramen Noodles (fresh or instant)
4 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
3 tablespoons Basil Pesto Sauce (freshly made or high-quality store-bought)
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese

Optional Proteins

100g Cooked Chicken (grilled or shredded)
100g Firm Tofu, cooked
100g Cooked Shrimp

Optional Vegetables

1 cup Fresh Spinach
1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Mushrooms, sliced

Optional Garnishes

Fresh Basil Leaves
Chopped Scallions
Toasted Pine Nuts or Sesame Seeds
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Prepare the Broth Base: Warm the vegetable or chicken broth in a pot over medium heat. In a small pan, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil for about a minute until fragrant, then stir it into the broth to infuse richness and depth.
Cook the Ramen Noodles: Add the ramen noodles directly into the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm for perfect texture.
Incorporate the Pesto Sauce: Reduce the heat to low once the noodles are ready. Gently stir in the basil pesto, coating each noodle strand and enriching the broth with fresh, creamy flavor.
Add Proteins and Vegetables: Toss in your choice of cooked proteins such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp, along with fresh vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Let everything warm through for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Pesto Ramen into bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Add fresh herbs or toasted nuts for extra aroma and texture.

Notes

Fresh pesto delivers the brightest basil flavor—consider making it from scratch if time permits.
Don’t overcook the noodles; leave them slightly firm to avoid sogginess once combined with broth and sauce.
Adjust salt and acidity with lemon juice or soy sauce to balance flavors as needed.
Layer textures by adding crunchy toppings like toasted pine nuts or crisp vegetables.
Prepare broth and pesto ahead to reduce cooking time on busy days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Japanese)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Pesto Ramen, basil pesto noodles, quick ramen recipe, fusion ramen, easy pesto soup, vegetarian ramen, comfort food