Irresistible Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
If you are looking to bring restaurant-quality flavor right into your home kitchen, this Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is your new go-to dish. This creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal combines the delicate pasta pockets filled with cheese and spinach alongside tender grilled chicken, all coated in a rich Asiago Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet indulgent without compromising on taste or texture. Every bite offers a comforting blend of creamy sauce, smoky chicken, and tender pasta that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Flavorful: The Asiago cheese adds a sharp, creamy punch that makes this Alfredo stand out from the crowd.
- Perfectly Balanced: Creamy sauce paired with grilled chicken gives you a satisfying protein boost.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults tends to love the comforting texture of tortelloni and cheesy sauce.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs, veggies, or proteins to suit any palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken recipe truly unforgettable. From the pasta that provides the perfect texture to the cheese that melts into velvety goodness, these essentials bring it all together effortlessly.
- Asiago Tortelloni: Cheese-filled or spinach and cheese-filled tortelloni provide the heart of the dish with a soft, pillowy bite.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Adds lean protein and a subtle smoky flavor that compliments the creamy sauce.
- Asiago Cheese: The star ingredient, grated Asiago brings a sharp, nutty, and creamy flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for creating the silky Alfredo sauce that coats every pasta piece perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a bit of zing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Complementary cheese that boosts the sauce’s cheesiness and provides a salty counterpoint.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a burst of bright color and a fresh herbal note as a garnish.
Variations for Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
This recipe invites your creativity—the foundation is fantastic, but it’s effortlessly adaptable if you want to customize based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the grilled chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty meatless meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Swap grilled chicken for garlic butter shrimp for a seafood twist that’s just as satisfying.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortelloni and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free to keep all the flavor without the gluten.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh basil, thyme, or oregano into the sauce to give it a fragrant herbal lift.
How to Make Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil. Grill over medium heat until cooked through and slightly charred for that perfect smoky flavor. Once done, let the chicken rest before slicing it thinly.
Step 2: Cook the Tortelloni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Asiago tortelloni according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 3: Make the Asiago Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Slowly mix in grated Asiago and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Tortelloni, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked tortelloni and sliced grilled chicken to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the creamy tortelloni and chicken mixture, then sprinkle with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or extra Asiago for an eye-catching and flavorful finish.
Pro Tips for Making Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated Asiago and Parmesan melt better and give a creamier, richer sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook tortelloni just until al dente to avoid mushiness in the final dish.
- Let Chicken Rest: Allow resting time after grilling to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic only until fragrant to prevent bitterness that comes with burning.
- Adjust Sauce Texture: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce without losing creaminess or flavor.
How to Serve Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the richness of the Alfredo sauce. A sprinkle of extra Asiago cheese on top intensifies that cheesy goodness and adds beautiful texture.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a healthy, bright contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also complements it perfectly, ready to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and allow for easy mixing. Consider adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of freshly ground black pepper on top for a gourmet touch. For gatherings, a big family-style platter garnished with herbs invites sharing and adds warmth to any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to retain freshness and prevent condensation buildup.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen but it’s best to freeze the Alfredo sauce separately from the pasta and chicken to maintain texture. Combine and reheat gently when ready to serve. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for optimal flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the silky sauce texture. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from separating or the pasta becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tortelloni for this recipe?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought tortelloni works wonderfully and makes the recipe even quicker to prepare without compromising flavor or texture.
What if I can’t find Asiago cheese?
If Asiago isn’t available, you can substitute with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, though the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the grilled chicken is cooked perfectly?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the chicken should be firm to the touch with no pink in the center—rest it for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan cheese substitutes, although traditional dairy Asiago and cream will provide the best creamy texture and authentic flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. It reheats beautifully and can be portioned into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it ideal for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that feels indulgent while being easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation!
