Purple Butterfly Pea Tuscan Pasta with Golden Chicken
This visually stunning and flavor-packed dish combines the elegance of Tuscan cuisine with trendy, exotic ingredients. Featuring vibrant purple pasta infused with butterfly pea flower, golden turmeric-crusted chicken, and a creamy sauce studded with colorful superfoods, this Instagram-worthy meal is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch / 30 cm)
- Medium pot for cooking pasta
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Small food processor or blender
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each [170-225g each]
Produce
- 3 cloves Black garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon [15 ml])
- 1/2 cup Goji berries [2 oz / 56g]
- 2 cups Baby kale [2 oz / 56g]
- 1/4 cup Micro greens for garnish
- 1 small Watermelon radish thinly sliced for garnish
Dairy
- 1 cup Coconut cream [8 fl oz / 240 ml]
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese freshly grated [3.5 oz / 100g]
Pasta & Grains
- 12 oz Dried penne pasta [340g]
Baking & Spices
- 2 tablespoons Butterfly pea flower powder
- 2 teaspoons Ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano [0.07 oz / 2g]
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
- to taste Pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tablespoons Avocado oil [1 fl oz / 30 ml]
Liquids
- 1/2 cup Vegetable broth [4 fl oz / 120 ml]
Garnish
- Edible flowers such as pansies or violets
- Gold leaf flakes
Instructions
Prepare the Purple Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a small bowl, mix the butterfly pea flower powder with 1/4 cup of hot water to create a concentrated blue liquid. Add the pasta to the boiling water along with the butterfly pea flower liquid. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally. The pasta will turn a vibrant purple color. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Golden Chicken
- In a shallow dish, mix turmeric, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Create the Superfood Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Add minced black garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add goji berries and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly plumped. Pour in the coconut cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked purple pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese, oregano, and Aleppo pepper flakes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the baby kale and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Slice the golden chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pasta. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
- Arrange thinly sliced watermelon radish around the edge of the dish. Sprinkle micro greens over the pasta and chicken. Place a few edible flowers strategically for pops of color. Carefully place a few gold leaf flakes on the chicken for a luxurious touch. Serve immediately, encouraging diners to mix the components together before eating.
Notes
This dish is designed to be visually striking and perfect for social media sharing. For best results, plate individually and encourage diners to mix the components before eating to combine all the flavors. The purple color of the pasta may vary depending on the strength of the butterfly pea flower powder used.
Notes
- Lighter Alternatives: Substitute coconut cream with light coconut milk for a lighter sauce. Use low-fat Pecorino Romano cheese or reduce the cheese quantity to cut calories.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If butterfly pea flower powder is unavailable, use natural food coloring for a visual effect. Replace coconut cream with heavy cream if dairy is not an issue. White wine can replace vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the texture of the pasta and chicken.
Quick Tips
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Improving Texture: To ensure crispy chicken, pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning. Searing the chicken on high heat before cooking through will give it a golden crust.
- Special Techniques: Let the cooked pasta rest in the sauce for a few minutes off the heat to absorb the flavors and achieve a creamier texture.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, garlic sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to complement the dish’s vibrant flavors.
- Salads: A light, refreshing side salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the pasta.
- Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple ciabatta to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutritional Benefits
- High-Protein: Chicken breasts provide lean protein, supporting muscle growth and maintenance.
- Superfoods: Goji berries and kale are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Coconut cream and avocado oil contribute healthy fats, essential for overall well-being.
- Herbs and Spices: Turmeric and butterfly pea flower powder add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions
- Portion Sizes: Serve one chicken breast with a generous portion of purple pasta per person.
- Presentation Tips: Arrange sliced chicken on top of the pasta, garnish with edible flowers and microgreens for a restaurant-quality presentation.
- Complementary Beverages: Pair with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water infused with lemon slices.
Meal Prep Tips
- Advance Prep: Marinate and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. Slice the radish and prepare the garlic and kale ahead of time, storing them in the fridge.
- Storage Tips: Store the sauce and pasta separately if meal prepping to maintain texture. Combine when reheating for a fresh-tasting meal.
Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or roasted chickpeas, and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Pecorino Romano cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Add-ins: Add cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers to enhance the dish with a burst of color and flavor.
