Name: Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen); 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Asiago cheese, freshly grated; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for added depth); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings together tender cheese-filled tortellini, a smooth Asiago-infused Alfredo sauce, and juicy grilled chicken. It’s a comforting meal that tastes like something straight out of a fancy Italian restaurant, but I can easily make it at home in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both indulgent and easy to put together. The cheesy tortellini combined with the bold, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings to every bite. Adding grilled chicken brings a nice protein boost and smoky flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or when I just want to treat myself to something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Grilled chicken breasts, sliced
Butter
Heavy cream
Garlic, minced
Asiago cheese, freshly grated
Parmesan cheese (optional, for added depth)
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil (for grilling the chicken)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

I start by grilling the chicken: I season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely charred. Once done, I let them rest before slicing.
While the chicken grills, I cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
I stir in the grated Asiago cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If I want extra cheesiness, I add a bit of Parmesan too.
I season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
I add the cooked tortellini into the sauce and toss until coated evenly.
I plate the tortellini, top it with sliced grilled chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in about 25 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap grilled chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a different twist.
For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
If I want a touch of heat, I add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
I’ve also added steamed broccoli or spinach to make it a more balanced one-pan meal.
For even more depth, I blend Asiago with other cheeses like Romano or Fontina.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving it too long, since cream sauces can break if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought grilled chicken?

Yes, I often use pre-cooked grilled chicken when I’m short on time. It still works great and makes the recipe even faster.

What can I substitute for Asiago cheese?

If I don’t have Asiago, I use Parmesan, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each one gives the sauce a slightly different flavor, but all are delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can cook the components ahead—grill the chicken and prep the sauce—but I recommend boiling the tortellini fresh before serving so it doesn’t get mushy.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces can separate and tortellini can become too soft when thawed.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, I’ve used frozen tortellini before. I just follow the package instructions and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels a little fancy without a lot of effort. The creamy cheese sauce and grilled chicken combo never disappoints, and I love how easy it is to make it my own with small tweaks. Perfect for dinner any night of the week.