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 created Neon Noodle Cloud for my niece's birthday, and it became the centerpiece of the meal. Watching kids marvel at the rainbow noodles while adults vied for seconds made it a staple in my kitchen for celebrations.
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 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.
- Add Food Coloring:
- 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 to 3 minutes less than package instructions (as they will finish cooking in the sauce). Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Make the Cloud 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 and Finish:
- 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 sparked laughter and wide-eyed amazement at our last family dinner. Even my grandmother asked for seconds and told me it reminded her of playful kitchen experiments from her youth.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan and gluten-free options, use suitable plant-based substitutes and gluten-free noodles. Confirm food coloring is allergen-safe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving: 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein
Save Your Neon Noodle Cloud will brighten any occasion and put smiles on faces. Serve immediately for best presentation and texture.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Cook each noodle portion in colored boiling water using gel food coloring to maintain vivid hues and prevent fading.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, substitute milk, cream cheese, and butter with plant-based alternatives, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- → Are gluten-free noodles suitable?
Absolutely, choose gluten-free noodles and verify food coloring suitability for safe results.
- → What is the ideal way to serve?
Serve immediately after tossing noodles in sauce. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers for extra flair.
- → Which tools are necessary for this dish?
You need a large pot, heatproof bowls for coloring, a saucepan, a colander, and a whisk.
- → Can I prepare components in advance?
Cook and color noodles ahead, but make the sauce fresh for best texture. Combine just before serving.