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 birthday celebration, and everyone was enchanted by the playful colors and silky sauce. Its a dish thats sure to spark smiles and lively conversation at any gathering.
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
- Prep 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 Water:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade.
- Cook Colorful 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 theyll finish cooking in the sauce). Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Prepare Cloud Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Finish Sauce:
- Whisk milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thick and creamy for about 5 minutes.
- Combine:
- 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 Making Neon Noodle Cloud turned dinner into a joyful creative project with my family. The kids loved choosing colors and watching the noodles change, making it memorable and fun for all.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cream cheese, parmesan, butter) and wheat (noodles). For vegan and gluten-free options, use suitable substitutes. Double-check food coloring labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 12 g
Save Serve Neon Noodle Cloud freshly made for best presentation. Enjoy its creamy comfort and vibrant look with loved ones!
Recipe Questions
- → How are the noodles made colorful?
The noodles are simmered in water tinted with gel-based food coloring, giving each batch a vibrant hue.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute all dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
- → What does the cloud sauce taste like?
The sauce is creamy and mild with subtle richness from cream cheese, butter, and parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- → How should I garnish the dish?
Top with scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and optionally edible flowers or microgreens for color and crunch.
- → Can I use different types of noodles?
You can use ramen, wheat noodles, or rice noodles depending on dietary needs and personal preference.
- → How do I prevent colors from mixing?
Cook and rinse colored noodles separately, then gently fold into the sauce to keep colors distinct before serving.