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Marry-Me-Macaroni-Pasta-Salad-Recipe

Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that combines elbow macaroni, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only easy to make but also brimming with irresistible flavors that you’re sure to 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)

Instructions

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

Notes

This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to customize the ingredients by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!
For a richer flavor, use freshly made sun-dried tomatoes from the oven.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg