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 a family birthday, and seeing those bright swirling noodles brought pure delight. It definitely gets requested every time we want something playful for a meal.
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 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 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. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Make Cloud Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Thicken 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.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save When I made it for the family, the grandkids loved mixing up the colors with their chopsticks and it turned dinner into a fun event.
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. Double-check food coloring labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 12 g (per serving)
Save Bright, creamy, and customizable, Neon Noodle Cloud brings instant joy to any table. Serve fresh and enjoy the smiles.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring and cook noodles in separate bowls, adjusting shades to your liking.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy with plant-based milk, cream cheese, butter, and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- → How do I keep noodle colors distinct?
Cook and rinse colored noodles separately, then gently fold into the sauce, avoiding excessive mixing.
- → What garnishes work best?
Finely sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers, or microgreens add both flavor and decoration.
- → Is this dish suitable for children?
Absolutely—its vibrant colors and creamy texture are sure to delight kids and can be adapted to dietary preferences.
- → Can it be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the wheat noodles with gluten-free alternatives for a safe option.