Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavor-packed twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, perfect for warm-weather meals or hearty lunches. This dish combines tender grilled chicken, cheesy tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious tomato-basil dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. Today, I’ll guide you through my step-by-step recipe, inspired by my time in Bologna and summers spent tossing pasta with my nonna. Along the way, I’ll share tips to customize this salad for any occasion and keep it fresh for meal prep. Let’s dive into the secret to making this irresistible chicken pasta dish.
The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
From Nonna’s Kitchen to Modern Classics
Growing up outside Bologna, pasta salad wasn’t a thing, but flavor layering was. My nonna taught me that pasta should always “listen to love,” and I’ve carried that into every dish. The first time I adapted Marry Me Chicken into a pasta salad, it was a sunny Sunday lunch with friends. We had grilled chicken, leftover tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes, an instant summer hit.
Why This Chicken Pasta Dish Works Every Time
The combination of creamy tomato-basil dressing, tender cheese tortellini, and juicy chicken transforms a simple pasta meal into a showstopper. Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add bold, concentrated flavor, while fresh basil brings a fragrant, garden-fresh note. This pasta salad isn’t just tasty; it’s versatile, fitting for family dinners, picnics, and make-ahead lunches.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad | Creamy & Flavorful
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Description
A creamy, flavor-packed pasta salad with grilled chicken, tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich tomato-basil dressing.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
2 Tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
2 Tbsp double-concentrated tomato paste
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 (20-oz.) pkg cheese tortellini
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken in sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, and red pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Grill chicken until cooked, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Boil tortellini until al dente; add asparagus in last 2 minutes. Drain and rinse.
4. Whisk together dressing ingredients: mayo, sour cream, cream, Parmesan, tomato paste, vinegar, garlic, basil, and seasoning.
5. Combine pasta, chicken, vegetables, and dressing in a bowl.
6. Top with fresh basil and Parmesan; serve chilled or warm.
Notes
Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Swap asparagus for spinach or peas if desired.
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Nutrition
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Ingredients and Preparation for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
The secret to an unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad starts with fresh, vibrant ingredients and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. You don’t need complicated steps, just a few pantry staples and some seasonal produce will make this dish shine.
First, gather your main ingredients:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets work best. You can also swap in shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Pasta: Cheese-filled tortellini adds richness and bite, though standard pasta shells or penne can also work.
Vegetables: Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes bring freshness and a pop of color.
Dressing: The creamy tomato-basil dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan, and fresh basil for that signature flavor.
To prepare the salad, start by marinating your chicken in sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, paprika, and garlic. While the chicken marinates, cook your tortellini until al dente and blanch the asparagus for a crisp, tender bite. Once the chicken is grilled and cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix with the pasta, vegetables, and dressing. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a final touch.
If you enjoy exploring other chicken in pasta recipes, my marry me chicken pasta is another creamy, indulgent favorite, while this hearty chicken pasta meal works perfectly for family dinners. These variations make it easy to create satisfying meals without extra fuss.
This pasta salad is flexible, letting you swap asparagus for spinach or peas and even use gluten-free pasta if needed. With minimal effort, you’ll have a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish ready for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
Turning fresh ingredients into a flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is easy when you follow these simple steps. Each step ensures your salad is creamy, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, double-concentrated tomato paste, grated garlic, paprika, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Coat the chicken cutlets evenly and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with rich, tangy flavor.
Step 2: Grill and Prepare the Chicken
Grill the chicken over medium heat until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Allow it to rest for five minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces. This locks in juices for a tender bite.
Step 3: Cook Pasta and Veggies
Boil the cheese tortellini until al dente, and in the last two minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill quickly. This keeps the salad light and refreshing.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Combine tortellini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken in a large bowl. Fold in the creamy tomato-basil dressing until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Marinate Chicken | 30 mins |
| Cook Pasta & Veggies | 10 mins |
| Grill Chicken & Assemble | 20 mins |
If you enjoy versatile chicken pasta meals, try my truffle chicken pasta or add this salad to your next picnic alongside a light chicken pasta dish. Both complement the creamy, tangy flavors of this recipe beautifully.
Serving, Storage, and Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
A creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it chilled on a sunny afternoon or slightly warm for a cozy dinner. I love pairing it with a crusty baguette or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal that feels like summer in every bite.
Serving Tips
This pasta salad works beautifully as both a main dish and a side. It’s a star at picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. For an extra touch, sprinkle it with fresh basil, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve in a wide, shallow bowl so the colorful tortellini and vegetables take center stage.
Storage Tips
For the best texture, keep the salad ingredients in separate containers until serving. Store the chicken, tortellini, and vegetables together in one airtight container, and keep the creamy tomato-basil dressing in another. Mix everything just before serving to maintain the perfect bite. Prepared this way, the salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap asparagus for spinach, green beans, or peas for seasonal freshness. Rotisserie chicken makes it even faster, while Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you enjoy other chicken pasta meals, try my creamy marry me chicken pasta or an easy rotisserie chicken pasta salad for another crowd-pleasing option.
This chicken pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, proving that simple ingredients can create a truly irresistible meal.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad combines creamy tomato-basil dressing, juicy chicken, and tender tortellini to create a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side, it’s a versatile recipe that brings the warmth of Italian flavors to your table. Try customizing it with seasonal vegetables, and enjoy a pasta salad that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
1. Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or fusilli work perfectly. Tortellini adds a cheesy richness, but any sturdy pasta will hold the creamy dressing well.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the chicken, pasta, and vegetables in advance, and keep the dressing separate. Mix just before serving to keep it fresh.
3. How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or light sour cream. It maintains creaminess with fewer calories.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken makes it faster while still giving your pasta salad the hearty flavor it needs.
5. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Stored properly, this salad lasts up to three days when the dressing is kept separate until serving.