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.
This playful recipe was a hit at our last family get-together. Watching everyone react to the bright noodles was fantastic, and even the adults dove right in!
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.
- Color the Water:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade.
- Cook Colored Noodles:
- Divide the noodles into equal portions and cook each portion separately in the colored boiling water for 2 to 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.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Whisk milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thick and creamy. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine & 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 My kids kept requesting their favorite colors, and this dish has now become a birthday tradition in our home.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk make preparation easy and efficient.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. Substitute with vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, and gluten-free noodles as needed. Always check labels on food coloring gels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.
Save Serve right away for the freshest look. This dish is sure to bring a smile to any gathering!
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring for richer colors. Cook noodles separately in colored water for best results.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan.
- → What garnishes work well?
Finely sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers, or microgreens enhance both color and flavor.
- → Can colored noodles be made ahead?
Yes. Rinse cooked noodles under cold water, store separately, and toss with sauce before serving to maintain color.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use suitable gluten-free noodles and double-check all ingredient labels, including food coloring.
- → How do I create a cloud-like sauce?
Blend cream cheese, butter, milk, parmesan or nutritional yeast, and seasonings until smooth and thick for optimal texture.