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 for a birthday party and the rainbow noodles were an instant hit: everyone asked for the recipe and took photos before eating. The creamy sauce adds such a light cloud-like texture that even picky eaters cleaned their plates.
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
- Prep 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.
- Add coloring:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl: stir 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 sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Finish 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. Try to keep colors distinct for a cloud effect or swirl for a marbled look.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save Kids love swirling their chopsticks through the clouds to reveal different noodle colors: once my niece decided to decorate her bowl with extra edible flowers to make a neon garden.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk: all the basics for a fun kitchen project.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan and gluten-free options, use suitable substitutes and double-check labels on food coloring for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 12 g (per serving)
Save Serve immediately for the most vibrant color and creamy texture. This dish is pure joy and guaranteed to make mealtime magical for everyone.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel-based food colorings and cook noodles in separate colored bowls for distinct, lively hues. Rinse under cold water to set the shade.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, butter, and nutritional yeast in the sauce. Always check labels for allergens.
- → What kind of noodles work best?
Dried wheat noodles or ramen noodles are ideal, as they hold color well and have a pleasing texture for this dish.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Yes. Choose gluten-free noodles and confirm that food colorings are safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- → How do I create a cloud-like effect?
Fold colored noodles gently into the creamy sauce, keeping hues distinct or swirl for a marbled, cloud-like appearance.
- → What garnishes can I use?
Scallions, toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers, or microgreens add texture and vibrant finishing touches to your presentation.