1lbtortelloni (or tortellini, such as four cheese or chicken)
For Grilled Chicken:
4boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2tbspavocado or vegetable oil
1tspkosher salt
¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
¼tspgarlic powder
½tspred chili flakes
For Asiago Alfredo Sauce:
6tbspbutter
1clove garlic, minced
1cupheavy cream (or evaporated milk – see notes below)
¼tspblack pepper
½tspkosher salt
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese
½cupgrated Asiago cheese
Minced chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Coat the chicken breasts with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red chili flakes. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature while you preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
Oil the grill grates and cook the chicken, undisturbed, for 5 minutes until it releases easily. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
2. Prepare the Tortelloni:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously.
Add the tortelloni and cook according to the package directions (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Asiago Alfredo Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the cream, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the Parmesan and Asiago cheeses until smooth.
Keep the sauce covered and warm on a burner that's turned off.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Add the cooked tortelloni to the sauce and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Divide the tortelloni among 6 plates and top each with sliced grilled chicken.
Garnish with minced chives or parsley.
Notes
Substitutions:
Tortelloni Substitute: You can use tortellini instead of tortelloni, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Asiago Substitute: If you can't find Asiago cheese, use the same amount of Parmesan.
Cream Substitute: Evaporated milk is a great alternative to heavy cream, giving a creamy texture without curdling. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch or flour to thicken.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken for a meat-free meal.
Additions: Consider adding spinach for some extra greens.
Pro Tips:
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Pound the Chicken: If you have extra time, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juiciness.