Best Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken Recipe

Hello, pasta lovers! This recipe for Best Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dishes. It combines tender tortellini, juicy grilled chicken, and a rich Alfredo sauce topped with a crispy asiago breadcrumb mixture. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply indulging in comfort food, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Introduction

Pasta dishes like this Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken offer the ultimate comfort food experience. Inspired by Italian-American flavors, this recipe stands out with its luxurious Alfredo sauce, perfectly grilled chicken, and the delightful crunch of an asiago cheese topping. The use of refrigerated tortellini saves time, while the homemade Alfredo sauce ensures restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Tortellini:

  • 20 ounces refrigerated five-cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions and drained

For the Grilled Chicken:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets (3 to 4 pieces)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

  • 3 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons asiago cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

These ingredients combine to create a symphony of textures and flavors, making every bite delightful.

How to Make Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

Prep the Oven and Tortellini:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and arrange them evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breast cutlets in this flavorful mixture, ensuring they’re evenly covered.

Grill the Chicken:

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (425 to 450°F). Grill the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken into thin strips and set aside.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and garlic powder, stirring until the mixture becomes fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Assemble the Dish:

Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the cooked tortellini in the baking dish, ensuring all the pasta is coated. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, asiago cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the Alfredo sauce for a crunchy topping.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden brown.

Serve:

Once baked, top the tortellini Alfredo with the sliced grilled chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and savor the flavors of this decadent dish.

Helpful Tips

  • Choosing Tortellini: For best results, use fresh refrigerated tortellini, which cooks faster and has a softer texture compared to dried versions. If five-cheese tortellini isn’t available, spinach and cheese tortellini is a great alternative.
  • Marinating Chicken: If time allows, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavor further.
  • Perfect Alfredo Sauce: Whisk continuously while making the sauce to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
  • Make It Spicy: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.

Cooking Tips

Here are a few extra tips to elevate your Best Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken:

  • Grill Marks: For attractive grill marks on the chicken, avoid moving the cutlets too often while grilling. Let them sear properly before flipping.
  • Topping Variations: Add crushed garlic croutons to the breadcrumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more balanced plate, serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a snapshot of the nutritional profile for this indulgent dish:

  • Calories: 680 per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg
  • Sodium: 960mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Calcium: 25%
  • Iron: 15%
  • Vitamin C: 6%
  • Vitamin A: 22%

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use a microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.

Freezing: This dish can also be frozen. Assemble the dish (excluding the breadcrumbs topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saving option. Simply slice or shred the chicken and add it to the dish before baking.

What can I use instead of Asiago cheese? Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes that provide a similar salty, nutty flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the grilled chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Is it okay to use dried tortellini? While fresh tortellini is recommended, dried tortellini can be used. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly according to the package instructions before assembling the dish.

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Conclusion

This Best Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is a truly indulgent dish that combines creamy, cheesy flavors with the smoky char of grilled chicken. It’s perfect for special occasions or any time you’re craving a comforting meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring restaurant-quality pasta to your table. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your experience. Bon appétit!

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