Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

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This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad brings together all the bold flavors of the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish in a chilled, refreshing salad form. Tender chunks of seasoned chicken, cheesy tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach are tossed in a velvety, herb-kissed sauce that’s downright irresistible.

Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a simple dinner that feels fancy without the fuss, this pasta salad is hearty enough to be a main dish but versatile enough to serve as a show-stopping side. Whether you’re planning a picnic or impressing dinner guests, it’s bound to leave everyone asking for seconds—or maybe even your hand in marriage!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad a breeze to prepare, you’ll want to gather a few kitchen staples that simplify the process and guarantee the perfect texture and flavor in every bite:

• Large pot – For boiling the tortellini just until tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their chewy, satisfying bite.
• Mixing bowls – Use a large one for tossing all ingredients together and smaller ones for prepping ingredients.
• Cutting board & sharp knife – For chopping cooked chicken, spinach, and other add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes.
• Whisk or mini blender – To create a creamy dressing that evenly coats every pasta curve.
• Colander – Essential for draining the tortellini and giving them a quick rinse to cool.
• Measuring cups & spoons – For nailing the proportions of the dressing and seasoning.

Each tool plays a key role in maintaining the salad’s texture, ensuring the pasta doesn’t get soggy, and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Efficient prep also means you get this dish from kitchen to table with ease and style.

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Ingredients for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

• Cheese tortellini – This forms the hearty base of the salad, soaking up the dressing while adding creamy, cheesy bites throughout.
• Cooked chicken breast – Tender, flavorful protein that holds up well in a chilled salad. Rotisserie or grilled chicken works great here.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – These add sweet-tangy bursts of flavor that elevate the entire dish.
• Fresh spinach – For a crisp, earthy balance to the creamy elements.
• Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the dressing for that luscious texture.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream – Adds a tangy contrast and helps lighten the dressing.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Boosts the umami factor and adds nutty richness.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that mimics the famous “Marry Me” flavor profile.
• Garlic powder & onion powder – For savory depth.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to tie it all together.

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How To Make the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the tortellini in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken & Veggies

Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes if needed and roughly chop the spinach.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the tortellini, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Pour the dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

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How to Serve and Store This Pasta Salad

Serve this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad as a main dish for a summer lunch or as a hearty side for any BBQ or dinner party. It pairs beautifully with grilled veggies, fresh bread, or even as a scoop atop leafy greens.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, and if needed, refresh with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo to revive the creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a flavorful and time-saving shortcut for this recipe.

Can I substitute the tortellini?

Yes, any short pasta like bowtie or penne will work, but cheese tortellini adds a special creamy bite.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

It’s excellent for meal prep! Just store in individual containers and keep chilled.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free yogurt and mayo alternatives, though it may change the flavor slightly.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful creations:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a warm, melty comfort option.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for easy, bold flavor.
• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for more creamy chicken pasta bliss.
• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for a savory, spicy twist.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for another creamy pasta salad remix.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rotisserie or grilled chicken? Did you sneak in some extra veggies?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to share tips, questions, or even photos of your creations!

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