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 dish after seeing my child’s fascination with food colors at a birthday party and seeing how vibrant noodles sparked joy at the table.
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 Noodle Colors:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Divide the water into separate bowls according to how many colors you wish to use.
- Dye and Cook Noodles:
- Add food coloring to each bowl, stirring to achieve your desired shade. Divide noodles and cook each portion separately in the colored boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Rinse 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. Whisk milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Cook while stirring until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish:
- Add noodles to the sauce, gently folding to coat. Keep colors distinct for a cloud effect, or lightly swirl for a marbled look.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings—especially with kids who love to mix and match their noodle colors before eating.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cream cheese, parmesan, butter) and wheat (noodles). Substitute vegan and gluten-free items as needed, and check food coloring for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 12 g
Save Let your creativity shine—Neon Noodle Cloud is sure to be the centerpiece at your next colorful meal!
Cooking Guide
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel food colorings dissolved in boiling water to create bold shades before cooking each noodle batch separately.
- → Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for a delicious vegan version.
- → How do I keep noodle colors separate in the sauce?
Gently fold the noodles into the sauce, avoiding over-mixing. For vivid separation, mix minimal or swirl for a marbled effect.
- → What garnishes work best for this dish?
Top noodles with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens for extra flair and color.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this?
A large pot, heatproof bowls for coloring, a saucepan, colander, and whisk streamline preparation and achieve the best results.
- → Is food coloring safe for cooking?
Choose gel-based food colors labeled safe for culinary use and check ingredients for allergens or dietary preferences.