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 my nephew's birthday party and it was an immediate hit with both kids and grown-ups. The fun of swirling the noodles in bright colors made the meal memorable and left everyone asking 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 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 noodles:
- 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, keeping colors distinct or swirling for a marbled effect.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save We love making Neon Noodle Cloud for family get-togethers—the kids always volunteer to help color the noodles, and it turns a regular dinner into something magical.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat, but can be made vegan and gluten-free with appropriate ingredient swaps. Always check your food coloring and cheese alternatives for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 12 g
Save This dish is a guaranteed conversation starter. Serve immediately for best color and texture.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel food colorings for best vibrancy. Color separate noodle portions in matching boiling water, then rinse after cooking.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for a delicious vegan version.
- → What should I garnish the noodles with?
Top with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens for a beautiful presentation.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Substitute the wheat noodles with gluten-free alternatives and confirm that food colorings do not contain gluten.
- → Can I prepare noodles ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and color noodles, rinse well, and refrigerate. Warm them gently in the cream sauce just before serving.
- → How do I keep colored noodles distinct in the sauce?
Fold noodles gently into the sauce and avoid overmixing to maintain separate, vibrant colors for a cloud effect.