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.
I created Neon Noodle Cloud for my niece's birthday, and her friends were amazed by the swirling pastel noodles. It's always a showstopper at family gatherings, and both kids and grownups eagerly ask for seconds.
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 boiling water into separate bowls as per number of colors wanted. Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl and stir for even coloring. Divide noodles and cook each portion in colored boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Rinse noodles under cold water and set aside.
- Make the cloud sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth. Then whisk in milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Cook while stirring constantly until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine noodles and sauce
- Add reserved noodles to the sauce, gently folding to coat. Keep colors distinct for cloud effect, or swirl to marble.
- Serve and garnish
- Top with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired. Serve immediately.
Pin it My family loves making this dish together. The kids help pick the colors, and everyone gets creative in swirling pastels for a magical meal.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan or gluten-free, use plant-based and wheat-free alternatives. 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 Neon Noodle Cloud right away for maximum vibrancy. Everyone will love the playful twist and creamy taste.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring and cook each noodle portion separately in colored boiling water for best results.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Simply substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for the cheese.
- → What type of noodles works best?
Wheat noodles or ramen noodles hold color well and offer a pleasing texture for this dish.
- → Is the cloud sauce gluten-free?
The sauce itself is gluten-free if using cornstarch; simply use gluten-free noodles if needed.
- → How can I enhance the cloud-like effect?
Keep differently colored noodles separate and fold gently into the sauce to maintain distinct swirls and textures.
- → What garnishes pair well?
Scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens complement the visual and flavor palette beautifully.