Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad combines the rich, romantic flavors of the beloved chicken dish with the convenience of a chilled or room-temperature pasta salad. It’s filling, easy to prep ahead, and crowd-pleasing with its creamy sauce, bold seasonings, and just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal for gatherings or meal prep, it’s a unique twist on both a comfort classic and a summer staple.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties work best)
• Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for the base)
• Olive oil
• Heavy cream or milk (optional, to loosen dressing)
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Prepare the chicken: Use pre-cooked, grilled, or rotisserie chicken. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, Parmesan, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of cream or milk if you want a looser consistency.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat evenly.
5. Chill and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, or serve at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 10 minutes (for pasta), and total time is about 25 minutes plus optional chilling time.

Variations

• Spicier version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and skip the cream.
• Low-carb: Use cooked cauliflower florets or low-carb pasta alternatives.
• Add-ins: Include chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra color and nutrition.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cubed provolone for extra richness.
• Vegan version: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and plant-based mayo and cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving as the dressing may thicken. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and not recommended for freezing. Add a splash of olive oil or cream if it needs loosening after chilling.

FAQs

What is “Marry Me Chicken”?

It’s a creamy chicken dish made with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes—so good it’s said to be “marriage proposal-worthy.”

Can I serve this pasta salad warm?

Yes, it can be served warm, but it also tastes great chilled, making it versatile for any occasion.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It saves time and adds great flavor.

Is this pasta salad spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can adjust to taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge.

What’s the best pasta for this salad?

Short pasta like rotini, bowties, or penne works well to hold the creamy dressing.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide deeper flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes offer a juicy contrast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with regular pasta, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Roasted zucchini, baby spinach, or asparagus would all be great additions.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly. Stir before serving.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad brings together the rich, comforting flavors of a beloved dish with the fresh, portable appeal of pasta salad. It’s creamy, savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, meal prep, or a casual dinner, this salad will win hearts and earn rave reviews every time.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful, creamy pasta salad inspired by the iconic Marry Me Chicken dish. Featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a savory garlic dressing, it’s perfect for potlucks, lunches, or easy dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (optional, to loosen dressing)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
2. Prepare chicken by shredding or chopping pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cream or milk if a thinner dressing is desired.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
5. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, or serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
• Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Add veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor.
• Stir in mozzarella or provolone for a cheesier twist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 55mg