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 created this Neon Noodle Cloud for a birthday party, and the reaction was pure delight. Watching faces light up at the first swirl of technicolor noodles made the whole effort worthwhile.
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 Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Divide the water into separate bowls for each color you wish to use.
- Dye and Cook Noodles:
- Add small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stir well. Divide noodles into equal portions and cook each portion separately in colored boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Rinse well under cold water and set aside.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add Creaminess:
- Whisk in milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish:
- Gently fold noodles into sauce to coat. Keep colors distinct for a cloud effect, or gently swirl for marble look.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save This dish became an instant classic in our family. Its now our rainy-day recipe for fun kitchen experiments and togetherness.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan and gluten-free options, use substitutes and check food coloring labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 12 g
Save Try Neon Noodle Cloud as a festive surprise or centerpiece for your next celebration. Its guaranteed smiles in every bowl.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring and separate the noodles to cook each color individually for vivid results.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Swap dairy ingredients for plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast to make it vegan-friendly.
- → What garnishes work best?
Scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional edible flowers or microgreens add flavor and a festive finish.
- → Is the sauce thick and creamy?
Yes, cornstarch, cream cheese, and milk thicken the sauce, producing a luscious and velvety texture.
- → How do you keep noodle colors distinct?
Gently fold noodles into the sauce and avoid over-mixing for a marbled or cloud-like color effect.
- → What are the common allergens?
This dish contains dairy and wheat, but can be adapted for vegan and gluten-free diets by using appropriate substitutes.