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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- 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.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- 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
