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.
The first time I made this for my family, the noodles were so colorful that everyone stopped to admire them before digging in. It brought a playful twist to our dinner, and even the adults wanted 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
- Color the 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 the Noodles:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade.
- Cook and Rinse:
- 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.
- Start the Cloud Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Whisk milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thick and creamy for about 5 minutes.
- Combine:
- 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.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save My kids always burst into giggles when we twist the noodles into little clouds on their plates. Now its a requested recipe every birthday!
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 and check food coloring labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 12 g
Save This playful noodle dish is sure to charm anyone at your table and makes weeknight dinners a party.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food coloring, cooking each batch of noodles separately in colored boiling water for intense hues.
- → Can I make this vegan or gluten-free?
Substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and gluten-free noodles for dietary needs.
- → What gives the sauce a cloud-like texture?
The creamy sauce combines milk, cream cheese, butter, and parmesan, thickened with cornstarch for a soft consistency.
- → How do I keep the noodle colors distinct?
Gently fold each colored noodle batch into the sauce separately; swirl lightly for a marbled effect if desired.
- → Are there garnish options for this dish?
Top with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens for visual appeal and fresh flavor.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
You'll need a large pot, multiple bowls for coloring, a saucepan for the sauce, a colander, and a whisk.