There’s something special about a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting, isn’t there? Olive Garden’s Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is one of those dishes that instantly takes you to a place of cozy, delicious contentment. With its tender, cheese-filled tortelloni bathed in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy grilled chicken and a sprinkle of nutty Asiago cheese, it’s a restaurant favorite that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
This dish is perfect for those moments when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle of going out. Maybe it’s a cozy date night, a family dinner, or simply a chance to treat yourself. What’s more, making it at home allows you to customize it to your preferences, swapping proteins or adjusting the richness of the sauce. And let’s not forget—nothing beats the satisfaction of watching your loved ones savor a meal you prepared with care.
This recipe invites you to bring the flavors of Olive Garden to your own kitchen, creating an experience that’s as much about the process as it is about the end result. So, tie on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Style Meal at Home: Recreate the decadence of dining out in the comfort of your own home, with flavors that rival Olive Garden’s classic dish.
- Easy Yet Impressive: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and elegance, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The Alfredo sauce is a luscious combination of Parmesan and Asiago cheeses, delivering an indulgent creaminess that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Not a fan of chicken? Swap it out for turkey ham, beef sausage, or even grilled shrimp.
- Family Favorite: This is one of those dishes that pleases everyone—kids, adults, and even picky eaters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Grilled Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tortelloni
- 3 cups cheese tortelloni (fresh or frozen)
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this ensures that the seasoning adheres well. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle—this is the sound of flavor forming! Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Pro Tip: Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Tortelloni
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortelloni and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh tortelloni typically cooks in 4-5 minutes, while frozen may take closer to 8-10 minutes. Drain the tortelloni and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
The Alfredo sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s easier to make than you might think. Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned.
Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this helps the cream thicken slightly. Now, add the grated Parmesan and Asiago cheeses one handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. It’s a small addition, but it gives the Alfredo a subtle warmth and complexity.
Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked tortelloni to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the sauce. Divide the saucy tortelloni among serving plates.
Top each plate with the sliced grilled chicken and a sprinkle of extra Asiago cheese. If you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs into their plates with delight!
Helpful Tips
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: If you have a grill pan, use it to give the chicken those classic grill marks, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
- Make It Your Own: Swap out the tortelloni for other filled pastas like ravioli if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, stir in more grated cheese until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and reheat it gently when ready to use.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Suitable for balanced diets; low-carb adaptations possible
Note
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh tortelloni and high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for the best flavor.
- Customize It: Add red pepper flakes for spice or nutmeg for warmth to suit your taste.
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve right away. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.
- Protein Swaps: Try turkey ham, beef sausage, or even tofu as alternatives to chicken.
- Nutmeg Adds Depth: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the sauce but is optional—use sparingly for a subtle boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce elevates the dish, store-bought Alfredo sauce can save time and still taste delicious. Look for a high-quality brand with minimal preservatives.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra liquid to keep the sauce from drying out. Unfortunately, this dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce, which can separate upon thawing.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love these other creamy, comforting pasta dishes:
Conclusion
This Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Olive Garden dish or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers all the indulgence and satisfaction you could hope for. Share it with loved ones or savor it solo—it’s delicious either way!
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olive garden asiago tortelloni alfredo with grilled chicken
Description
There’s something special about a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting, isn’t there? Olive Garden’s Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is one of those dishes that instantly takes you to a place of cozy, delicious contentment. With its tender, cheese-filled tortelloni bathed in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy grilled chicken and a sprinkle of nutty Asiago cheese, it’s a restaurant favorite that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
This dish is perfect for those moments when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle of going out. Maybe it’s a cozy date night, a family dinner, or simply a chance to treat yourself. What’s more, making it at home allows you to customize it to your preferences, swapping proteins or adjusting the richness of the sauce. And let’s not forget—nothing beats the satisfaction of watching your loved ones savor a meal you prepared with care.
This recipe invites you to bring the flavors of Olive Garden to your own kitchen, creating an experience that’s as much about the process as it is about the end result. So, tie on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tortelloni
- 3 cups cheese tortelloni (fresh or frozen)
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this ensures that the seasoning adheres well. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle—this is the sound of flavor forming! Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Pro Tip: Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Tortelloni
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortelloni and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh tortelloni typically cooks in 4-5 minutes, while frozen may take closer to 8-10 minutes. Drain the tortelloni and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
The Alfredo sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s easier to make than you might think. Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned.
Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this helps the cream thicken slightly. Now, add the grated Parmesan and Asiago cheeses one handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. It’s a small addition, but it gives the Alfredo a subtle warmth and complexity.
Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked tortelloni to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the sauce. Divide the saucy tortelloni among serving plates.
Top each plate with the sliced grilled chicken and a sprinkle of extra Asiago cheese. If you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs into their plates with delight!
Notes
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh tortelloni and high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for the best flavor.
- Customize It: Add red pepper flakes for spice or nutmeg for warmth to suit your taste.
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve right away. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.
- Protein Swaps: Try turkey ham, beef sausage, or even tofu as alternatives to chicken.
- Nutmeg Adds Depth: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the sauce but is optional—use sparingly for a subtle boost.
