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.
This dish became a huge hit at our last family gathering, with everyone delighting over the brilliant pastel noodles and creamy sauce. Even picky eaters wanted seconds when they saw the cheerful colors.
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 Noodles:
- 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.
- Tint and Cook:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade. Divide the noodles and cook each portion in the colored boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions.
- Drain and Set Aside:
- Rinse each noodle portion under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Make Cloud Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Whisk in milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy, about five minutes.
- Combine:
- Gently fold noodles into the sauce, trying to keep colors distinct for a cloud effect or swirl for a marbled look.
- Finish:
- Serve immediately and top with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Pin It My sister loved helping swirl and mix the colored noodles, making dinner preparation a delightful family activity. Watching everyone marvel at the final presentation was a highlight of our evening.
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 always check food coloring labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein
Pin It Serve your Neon Noodle Cloud immediately for maximum visual impact and creaminess. Kids and adults both will find it magical on any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring and cook noodles separately in colored water for maximum vibrancy. Rinse noodles to set color.
- → Can this be made vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, nutritional yeast, and use gluten-free noodles.
- → What sauce texture should I expect?
The sauce is thick, creamy and cloud-like, achieved with cheese, milk, and cornstarch, enveloping each noodle strand delicately.
- → What garnishes enhance presentation?
Use scallions, toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers, and microgreens for a whimsical, colorful finish that impresses all ages.
- → Which tools are required to prepare this dish?
A large pot, multiple heatproof bowls for coloring, saucepan, colander, and whisk are essential for smooth preparation.
- → How should I serve for best visual effect?
Keep noodle colors distinct or gently swirl for marbled clouds; a piping bag helps create artistic sauce patterns over noodles.