Pin it 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 loved making Neon Noodle Cloud for my niece's birthday party—it was a huge hit with both kids and grownups. The swirling colors and creamy sauce are always a conversation starter at gatherings.
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
- Prepare 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.
- Color the Water:
- 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 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients:
- 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 and Serve:
- 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 immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Pin it My family loves gathering around the table and picking their favorite noodle colors—it always sparks cheerful chatter and makes mealtime pure fun.
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: 390 calories, 15 g fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein
Pin it Let your creativity shine and serve Neon Noodle Cloud with a smile. It's sure to brighten any meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How are vibrant noodle colors achieved?
Divide boiling water and add gel-based food coloring, then cook noodle portions separately to infuse each hue.
- → Is the creamy cloud sauce difficult to make?
No, it's a quick blend of milk and cream cheese, thickened with cornstarch, and finished with butter and parmesan.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- → What do the garnishes add to the dish?
Scallions and sesame seeds give crunch and contrast, while edible flowers or microgreens boost visual appeal.
- → Will the colors stay vivid after mixing with the sauce?
If handled gently, the noodles keep their distinct shades for a swirling cloud-like presentation on the plate.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, replace wheat noodles with gluten-free alternatives while checking all ingredient labels for compatibility.