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, and it instantly became the star of our family gathering. Watching everyone react to the playful colors and soft sauce was pure joy.
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
- Color the 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 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.
- Create the Cloud Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- 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 and 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save This dish made our dinner table feel magical—the kids and grandparents alike could not stop talking about the fun colors and cloud-soft sauce that brought everyone together.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan and gluten-free options, use suitable substitutes and double-check food coloring labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 12 g
Save Enjoy this show-stopping meal as a centerpiece at your next party. Every bite is both delicious and visually unforgettable!
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How do I create vibrant colored noodles?
Use food coloring gels and cook divided noodle portions in separate bowls of colored boiling water. Gel coloring ensures vivid hues.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for dairy ingredients in the sauce.
- → What kind of noodles work best?
Dried wheat noodles or ramen noodles are ideal for soaking up color and holding up in the creamy sauce.
- → How can I keep noodle colors distinct?
Gently fold the noodles into the sauce rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves color separation for a cloud effect.
- → What garnishes complement the dish?
Finely sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens enhance both texture and visual appeal.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and ensure all sauce ingredients are suitable to avoid allergens.