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 this noodle dish for a birthday celebration and the joy on everyone's face was unforgettable. The colorful noodles brought so much excitement to 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
- 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.
- Dye and Cook:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade. Divide the noodles into equal portions and cook each portion separately in the colored boiling water for 2 3 minutes less than package instructions (as theyll finish cooking in the sauce). Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth. 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 and Serve:
- 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 immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save This has quickly become a family favorite at weekend lunches, as everyone gets to help pick their colors and toppings for the noodles.
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: 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein
Save Serve these noodles straight from the pan for maximum cloud-like texture and color vibrancy. Leftovers taste great chilled too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve vivid noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring, dividing cooked noodles among colored water bowls for the brightest results.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
- → What kind of noodles work best?
Wheat noodles or ramen are ideal as they absorb color well and maintain a soft texture in creamy sauces.
- → How do I keep the noodle colors distinct?
Gently fold colored noodles into the sauce without overmixing to preserve separate shades and a cloud effect.
- → Which garnishes enhance the dish?
Top with scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens for added flavor and visual appeal.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free noodles and ensure all substitutes are free from wheat and gluten ingredients.