Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo

Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup half and half
• 4 oz butter
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Marinate and Cook Chicken:
   • In a bowl, marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Set aside to rest.
2. Prepare Tortellini:
   • Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Alfredo Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, half and half, and butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble around the edges.
   • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, Asiago cheese, and garlic powder. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Bake:
   • Preheat the broiler in your oven.
   • In a baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini and the prepared Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat the tortellini evenly.
   • Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the tortellini and sauce in the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Broil:
   • Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
   • Enjoy your delicious Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken!

Here are some secrets and tips to achieve the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use thinly sliced ribeye steak for an authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. You can ask your butcher to slice it thinly for you.
2. Sear the Beef Quickly: Cook the thinly sliced beef over high heat in a single layer to ensure it browns quickly without stewing. This helps maintain its tender texture.
3. Caramelize the Onions and Peppers: Cook the onions and bell peppers until they are caramelized and slightly sweet. This enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish.
4. Season Well: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for added flavor. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
5. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated provolone cheese melts better and provides a smoother texture to the sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese.
6. Adjust Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and cheese to achieve the desired creaminess of the sauce. Be careful not to make it too thick or too runny.
7. Add Garlic for Flavor: Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Use fresh garlic cloves, minced finely, and sauté them briefly before adding the cream and cheese.
8. Simmer Gently: Once you add the cream and cheese to the sauce, simmer it gently over low heat. This helps the flavors meld together without the sauce becoming too thick.
9. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This ensures it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce.
10. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
11. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality beef, fresh vegetables, and good-quality cheeses to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
12. Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. Sometimes a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can balance the flavors perfectly.
13. Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the beef just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can result in tough meat.
14. Let Flavors Develop: Allow the finished dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for a more cohesive taste.
15. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
16. Serve Hot: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is best served hot. Serve immediately after combining the pasta with the sauce to enjoy it at its peak.
17. Experiment with Vegetables: While traditional Philly cheesesteak doesn’t typically include other vegetables, you can add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
18. Use a Large Skillet: Ensure you have enough space in the skillet to cook the beef, onions, and peppers without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking.
19. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle a little extra shredded provolone cheese on top of each serving just before serving. It adds a cheesy finishing touch.
20. Enjoy with Bread: Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce.

By following these secrets, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Philly Cheesesteak Pasta that will impress your family and friends!

Most Popular Questions and Answers Related to Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

1. What kind of tortellini should I use for this recipe?

• Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

• Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

4. How do I cook the chicken?

• Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

5. How do I know when the Alfredo sauce is thick enough?

• The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a creamy consistency.

6. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream and half and half?

• Yes, you can substitute light cream, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

7. What is the purpose of adding both Parmesan and Asiago cheese to the sauce?

• It adds depth of flavor and richness to the Alfredo sauce.

8. Do I need to bake the assembled dish or can I serve it directly after mixing?

• Baking helps to meld the flavors together and melt the cheese on top for a more cohesive dish.

9. How long should I broil the dish?

• Broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? – Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Bake it when ready to serve.

11. What can I serve with Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo? – Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

12. How should I store leftovers? – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

13. Can I freeze this dish? – It is not recommended to freeze due to the creamy sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

14. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? – Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply slice and add it to the dish before baking.

15. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? – Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.

16. What is the best way to reheat leftovers? – Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to retain moisture.

17. Can I use other cheeses instead of Asiago? – Yes, you can substitute with Romano cheese or additional Parmesan if preferred.

18. Can I skip the breadcrumbs on top? – Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs for a lighter dish, but they add a nice crunch.

19. Should I cover the baking dish while broiling? – No need to cover; broiling helps to brown the cheese and breadcrumb topping.

20. What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs? – Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as an alternative to panko breadcrumbs. Adjust quantity as needed.