Soy Butter Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bucatini or linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1/8 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup firmly packed grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cubed cooked chicken
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, leaves only

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until barely tender with a bite, 8 to 10 minutes, or about 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently until the breadcrumbs turn a soft golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the breadcrumbs from the pan and set aside in a small bowl.
3. Wipe out the saucepan and return it to the stovetop. Melt the remaining butter in the pan, then add the garlic paste and ginger paste. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and season with black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring to prevent clumping. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cubed chicken to the sauce and cook for about 3 minutes until heated through.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with sliced green onions, cilantro leaves, and the toasted panko breadcrumbs.

Cooks Note

Feel free to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauces consistency if needed. For extra depth of flavor, you can also add a splash of white wine along with the garlic and ginger paste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	399
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	69mg
Sodium	932mg
Total Carbohydrate	33g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	15g
Vitamin C	4mg
Calcium	117mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	222mg

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Soy Butter Pasta with Chicken

Soy Butter Pasta with Chicken is a modern fusion dish that blends Western pasta traditions with Asian-inspired flavors. Its creation reflects the growing trend of combining creamy sauces with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce and ginger. Although pasta is traditionally Italian, the addition of soy butter gives this dish a unique twist, highlighting global culinary exchanges that have become increasingly popular in the 21st century.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

This dish is particularly popular in North America and parts of East Asia where fusion cuisine thrives. In American kitchens, the sauce often includes Parmesan cheese and butter, while Asian versions may incorporate sesame oil or miso for added depth. Some regional adaptations might use udon or soba noodles instead of traditional Italian pasta, which changes the texture but keeps the comforting combination of chicken, garlic, and soy sauce.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic Italian Alfredo or garlic butter pasta, Soy Butter Pasta with Chicken uses soy sauce as a core ingredient, adding a distinct salty-sweet umami flavor. Compared to teriyaki chicken pasta, which relies on thick sweet sauces, this recipe balances the richness of butter with light soy seasoning, making it less heavy while still indulgent. Toasted breadcrumbs on top also differentiate it by adding a crunchy texture rarely found in traditional pasta dishes.

Typical Serving Contexts

This pasta is commonly served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as part of casual family gatherings. It can also appear in modern fusion restaurants as a lunch or light dinner option. Garnishes like green onions and cilantro not only add freshness but also make it visually appealing for home presentations or small dinner parties. Its relatively quick preparation time makes it a favorite for those looking for flavorful meals without lengthy cooking processes.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of soy sauce and butter mirrors traditional European use of butter with local umami-rich ingredients, creating an unexpected yet harmonious flavor profile.
• Using panko breadcrumbs as a topping adds a crispy contrast, inspired by Japanese cuisine, which is not typical in Western pasta dishes.
• The dishs adaptability allows it to include various proteinschicken, shrimp, or tofumaking it suitable for both omnivores and vegetarians.
• The fusion of garlic, ginger, and Parmesan cheese exemplifies how global ingredients can coexist in a single dish without overpowering each other.
• Despite its simplicity, this pasta manages to deliver multiple layers of taste and texture, demonstrating that quick meals can still be sophisticated.

Overall, Soy Butter Pasta with Chicken is a versatile dish that honors culinary traditions from multiple regions while offering a fresh take on comfort food. Its balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors has made it a beloved option for home cooks and food enthusiasts looking to explore the possibilities of fusion cuisine.

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