– **Title**: Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound asiago tortelloni (fresh or dried)
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

– **Instructions**:
1. **Cook the Tortelloni**: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the asiago tortelloni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.

2. **Grill the Chicken**: While the tortelloni cooks, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and then slice.

3. **Prepare the Alfredo Sauce**: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.

4. **Add Cheese**: Stir in the grated Asiago cheese and Parmesan cheese, continuously stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste.

5. **Combine**: Add the cooked tortelloni to the sauce, tossing gently to coat all pasta in the creamy sauce.

6. **Serve**: Plate the tortelloni Alfredo and top with slices of grilled chicken. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken!

Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo With Grilled Chicken: Tips and Insights

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Asiago Tortelloni: This type of pasta adds flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, substitute with cheese ravioli or other stuffed pasta. Fresh will cook quicker than frozen, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy. I personally prefer heavy cream for a rich and indulgent sauce.

Asiago Cheese: This cheese brings a unique sharpness. If you don’t have it, you could substitute Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. They won’t replicate Asiago’s exact taste but will still work well.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are standard, but you can use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. You could also opt for grilled shrimp or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian twist.

How Do You Create a Luxurious Alfredo Sauce?

Making Alfredo sauce might seem tricky, but it’s simple once you know the steps. The key is to incorporate the cheese slowly to avoid clumping. Here’s how to ensure your sauce turns out perfectly every time:

• Start by melting the butter and sautéing garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it brown, as it can turn bitter.
• Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring it to a simmer for a smooth texture.
• When adding Asiago cheese, do so a handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
• Season with black pepper and salt but taste as you go to get the right balance.

By following these steps, you’ll create a creamy sauce that’s fully flavored and perfectly coats your tortelloni!

How to Make Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo With Grilled Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Tortelloni and Sauce:

• 12 oz asiago tortelloni (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil for grilling
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which includes 10 minutes to prepare the chicken, 10 minutes to cook the tortelloni, and 10 minutes to make the sauce and combine everything. It’s quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, take the chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little salt and pepper on both sides to season. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on it and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be fully cooked, so check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F. When done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

2. Cook the Tortelloni:

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asiago tortelloni and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the tortelloni in a colander and set them aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!). Next, pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the grated Asiago cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth. You can taste the sauce at this point and add black pepper and salt as needed.

4. Combine:

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked tortelloni to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss the tortelloni in the sauce so they are nicely coated. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the tortelloni to soak up some of that rich, creamy sauce.

5. Serve:

Grab a plate and serve the cheesy tortelloni Alfredo. Top it with your sliced grilled chicken for that extra flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch and, if you like, add a little more grated Asiago cheese as well.

6. Enjoy:

Your delicious Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot and take in all those amazing flavors. Bon appétit!

Can I Use Frozen Tortelloni for This Recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen asiago tortelloni, cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time. Make sure to taste one to check for doneness!

Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a closer texture, consider adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the grilled chicken and consider adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. You can sauté them with the garlic in the sauce for delicious additions!