Save A vibrant, whimsical noodle dish featuring colorful noodles nestled in a soft, cloud-like creamy sauce. Perfect for parties or to delight kids and adults alike.
I first made Neon Noodle Cloud for my niece's birthday party and everyone was amazed by the soft, creamy sauce and the playful appearance. It instantly lit up the whole table and got people talking, especially the kids who loved picking their favorite noodle color.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 300 g dried wheat noodles or ramen noodles, food coloring gels (pink, blue, yellow, green—gel coloring preferred for vibrancy)
- Cloud Sauce: 200 ml whole milk or plant-based milk, 120 g cream cheese (or vegan alternative), 1 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter), 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan), 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper
- Garnish: 2 scallions, finely sliced, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers or microgreens (optional)
Instructions
- Create colored noodle water:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Divide the water into separate bowls according to the number of colors you wish to use.
- Dye the noodles:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade.
- Cook the noodles:
- Divide the noodles into equal portions and cook each portion separately in the colored boiling water for 2 3 minutes less than package instructions (as theyll finish cooking in the sauce). Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Thicken and season:
- Whisk milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thick and creamy about 5 minutes.
- Combine noodles with sauce:
- Add the noodles to the sauce, gently folding to coat. Try to keep colors distinct for a cloud effect, or swirl for a marbled look.
- Finish and garnish:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save We laughed as everyone built their own rainbow bowls at the table. The youngest even gave each color a name, making it into a game for family dinner.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan and gluten-free options, select replacements, and always check labels on food coloring for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 12 g
Save This dish brings color and joy to any meal, and both kids and adults love its playful look and creamy taste. Share your own noodle creations for even more fun.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring in separate bowls of boiling water to dye noodle portions before combining with the sauce.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for a fully vegan version.
- → What creates the 'cloud-like' sauce?
The combination of milk, cream cheese, butter, and parmesan yields a velvety, thick sauce that gently coats the noodles.
- → What garnishes work best for this dish?
Finely sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers or microgreens offer color, texture, and flavor.
- → Is this suitable for children's parties?
Yes, the whimsical noodle colors and creamy taste make it a hit with children and adults alike at gatherings.
- → How can I prevent noodle colors from mixing?
Gently fold noodles into the sauce and avoid excessive stirring to maintain distinct color separation.