Description

Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors featuring creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and savory chicken. This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for quick dinners or gatherings. Enjoy a homemade meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces elbow macaroni
½ cup (110 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (115 g) sour cream
3 tablespoons whole milk
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil, (from the jar)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups rotisserie chicken, (shredded)
1 cup (110 g) sun-dried tomatoes, (packed in oil (reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil for the dressing), chopped)
1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, (halved)
2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach, (roughly chopped)
1 cup (113 g) mozzarella pearls
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, (grated)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to cool, then set aside.
Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Stir before serving and add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken with your favorite seasoning.
Letting the salad chill enhances the flavors, so be patient before serving!
Feel free to substitute fresh herbs for extra freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 460
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 725 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg