Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

Satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a gourmet twist by indulging in our tantalizing Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken recipe. Bursting with flavors, this dish combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, and succulent grilled chicken to create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Follow our easy-to-follow recipe for a memorable dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 20 ounces of refrigerated five cheese tortellini Grilled Chicken:
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of Italian herb seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts cutlets Alfredo Sauce:
  • 6 tablespoons of salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
  • 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese Topping:
  • 3 tablespoons of seasoned bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons of Asiago cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, drain, and transfer them into a 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for the grilled chicken. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the seasoned oil.
  4. Grill the chicken breasts on an outdoor gas grill over high heat (425-450°F or 220-230°C) for 7-8 minutes per side or until the center reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and allow them to rest.
  5. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and garlic powder, whisking to combine.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk until fully absorbed. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, whisking until it’s fully incorporated. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  8. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the tortellini in the baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned bread crumbs, shredded Asiago cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the sauce and tortellini.
  10. Bake the assembled dish for 15 minutes or until it’s bubbly and lightly browned.
  11. While the tortellini is baking, slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
  12. Once the tortellini is ready, top it with the sliced grilled chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Fresh and Hot: This Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is best served fresh from the oven when it’s piping hot. The aroma and flavors are at their peak, making it an irresistible delight for everyone at the table.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, don’t forget to garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation, enhancing both the visual appeal and the flavor profile.
  3. Accompaniments: Complement this indulgent dish with a side salad or some garlic breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal. The freshness of the salad or the crunchiness of the breadsticks will balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce and the creaminess of the tortellini.
  4. Store Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator promptly after the meal. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and prevents the dish from spoiling.
  5. Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to prevent the sauce from separating.
  6. Enjoy Within a Few Days: While this dish can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator, it’s best enjoyed within two to three days for optimal freshness and flavor. The tortellini may become slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
  7. Freezing: While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini and the sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient reheating later.
  8. Customize Portions: Adjust the recipe based on your serving needs. You can halve or double the ingredients to accommodate smaller or larger gatherings, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this delectable dish to their heart’s content.

With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the first!

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free version, omit the grilled chicken and add in your favorite vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the Alfredo sauce. This creates a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option that’s still rich and satisfying.
  2. Seafood Delight: Incorporate seafood into the dish by adding cooked shrimp, crab meat, or lobster chunks to the Alfredo sauce. Seafood lovers will relish the combination of tender tortellini with succulent seafood, creating a luxurious twist on the classic recipe.
  3. Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy version of this dish. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds an exciting dimension to the flavor profile.
  4. Pesto Infusion: Replace the Alfredo sauce with a homemade basil pesto sauce for a vibrant and herbaceous twist. Toss the cooked tortellini in the pesto sauce before baking, then top with grilled chicken and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a fresh and aromatic variation.
  5. Mushroom Madness: Elevate the dish with the addition of sautéed mushrooms, such as cremini or wild mushrooms, to the Alfredo sauce. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the creamy sauce and add depth to the overall dish.
  6. Spinach Florentine: Incorporate fresh spinach leaves into the Alfredo sauce for a nutritious boost. The wilted spinach adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to the dish, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal option.
  7. Three-Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations by using a blend of Asiago, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses in the Alfredo sauce. This three-cheese blend adds complexity and richness to the sauce, taking the flavor to a whole new level.
  8. Grain-Free Option: For a lighter alternative, replace the tortellini with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower gnocchi. These grain-free options are lower in carbohydrates and calories, making them suitable for those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet.

By exploring these creative variations, you can customize the Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a delightful culinary experience every time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated? While fresh refrigerated tortellini is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen tortellini as a convenient alternative. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking before assembling the dish.
  2. Is it necessary to grill the chicken, or can I cook it another way? Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor, but you can also bake, sauté, or pan-sear the chicken breasts until they are cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  3. Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through before pouring it over the tortellini.

Elevate your dinner table with the exquisite flavors of our Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken recipe. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a special gathering with friends, this delectable dish is sure to leave everyone craving for more. Try it today and experience a culinary journey like no other!