Introduction: Italian-inspired dishes often combine rich flavors with simple ingredients, making them a beloved choice for many home cooks. One such dish is Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken, which combines the indulgent, creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with the savory, smoky flavor of grilled chicken, all paired with delicious cheese-filled tortellini. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party. In this article, we will take you through the recipe, the ingredients, and the preparation steps, ensuring that you can recreate this tasty meal at home.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to make Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini – You can find this pasta in most grocery stores, either fresh or frozen. If you prefer a different kind of pasta, you can easily swap it out for something like ravioli or fettuccine.
- 2 cups cooked and sliced grilled chicken – Grilled chicken breast is the most common choice, and seasoning it to your taste adds an extra layer of flavor.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Used to create the base for the Alfredo sauce, the butter gives the sauce its creamy texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds an aromatic, savory flavor to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Flour helps to thicken the Alfredo sauce, turning it into the smooth, rich consistency we all love.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – The main ingredient for a creamy Alfredo sauce, heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
- 1 cup milk – The milk helps to thin out the heavy cream, creating a balanced sauce that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
- 1 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese – Asiago cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Freshly grated is always best for a smoother texture and better melt.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds an additional depth of flavor to the sauce, complementing the Asiago cheese.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the Italian flavors of the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings for any dish. Adjust these according to your personal preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prepare the Tortellini
Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding the tortellini, and cooking for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside.
2. Grill the Chicken
While the tortellini is cooking, you can grill the chicken. If you don’t already have cooked chicken, season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer, and grill it over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Once done, slice the chicken into thin strips for easy mixing with the pasta later.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown.
Next, stir in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook the flour for about 1 minute, constantly stirring, until it forms a roux. The roux will help to thicken the sauce and give it the desired texture.
Slowly whisk in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of milk, being careful to ensure there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Once the mixture is combined, add the freshly grated Asiago cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Season the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened and is smooth, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce to combine all the seasonings. You can adjust the seasoning levels as desired, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
5. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Now, toss the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat all the tortellini in the creamy sauce. Once the pasta is coated, add the grilled chicken slices on top and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the dish is heated through, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is creamy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Asiago or Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like Romano or Pecorino. However, the flavor of Asiago is quite unique, so the result may differ slightly.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh. Just be sure to cook it according to the instructions on the package for the best results.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortellini and sauce ahead of time, then combine and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store the components separately in the refrigerator.
4. What if I want to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the recipe vegetarian, simply skip the grilled chicken and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. These additions will complement the creamy sauce and provide a balanced, satisfying dish.
5. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add more flour to the roux or reduce the amount of milk you add. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce for a longer period of time to reduce it.
6. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like in place of tortellini. Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti would work great in this dish. Just make sure to cook it al dente before adding it to the sauce.
Conclusion
Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of a classic Alfredo sauce with the bold flavors of grilled chicken and the perfect bite of tortellini. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture, deliciously savory flavors, and simple preparation, this dish is a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy!