Description

This Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad features irresistible flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, rotisserie chicken, and a creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner or gathering, making it a must-try for any meal.

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 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.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth for the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped spinach, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir before serving and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

You can use any leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick protein addition.
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference—bell peppers or cucumbers work well too.
This salad can be made a day ahead for optimal flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 60mg