Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cheese tortellini; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

If there’s one pasta salad that never fails to impress, it’s my Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad. The name isn’t just a cute catch — this dish has earned its reputation for being irresistibly delicious and beautifully comforting. I’ve made it for countless gatherings, and each time, someone inevitably asks for the recipe. It’s creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and packed with bold flavors that balance each other perfectly.

This pasta salad takes tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh spinach, then tosses it all together with sun-dried tomatoes and a luxuriously creamy dressing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just looking for a way to elevate your lunch, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

This salad is rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor from the first bite. The sun-dried tomatoes add a bright pop of tanginess that balances the richness of the sauce, while the juicy cherry tomatoes bring freshness. With shredded chicken for protein and tortellini for that satisfying bite, it’s a full meal in a bowl. Plus, it’s equally delicious served warm or cold.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini is your best bet here. It cooks quickly, holds its shape well, and has a soft, tender bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. If you only have dried tortellini on hand, make sure to cook it until just al dente — you don’t want mushy pasta ruining the texture.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own. Swap the chicken for rotisserie or even leftover grilled chicken. Not a fan of spinach? Arugula works great. If you’re dairy-free, use your favorite plant-based tortellini and creamy dressing substitute. Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with roasted red peppers for a sweeter twist, and if you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili.

Ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Cheese Tortellini – The heart of this pasta salad. Its tender, cheesy filling pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and adds richness to every bite.

Cooked Shredded Chicken – I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh will work.

Fresh Baby Spinach – Brings a pop of color and a light, earthy note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a tangy-sweet, concentrated tomato flavor that gives the salad its signature taste.

Cherry Tomatoes – These juicy little gems balance the intensity of the sun-dried tomatoes with freshness.

Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated, it deepens the savory, umami flavor and blends into the creamy dressing.

Mayonnaise – Forms the base of the dressing, giving the salad a rich, creamy texture.

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – Lightens the mayo base with a slight tang and creaminess.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Boosts the flavor in the dressing without being overpowering.

Italian Seasoning – A fragrant mix that pulls together all the savory and herbaceous notes in the salad.

Salt & Cracked Black Pepper – Essential to season and balance the flavors.

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables

While the tortellini cooks, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips. Roughly chop the spinach if the leaves are large.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You want a creamy, tangy, savory base.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently until evenly coated. Add grated Parmesan and toss again.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For best flavor, cover and chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with extra black pepper, Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

How Long to Prepare the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Prep Time: If you’re starting with pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie), the total prep time is about 20 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables, mixing the dressing, and assembling everything.

Chill Time: While it can be served immediately, chilling the salad for 30 minutes enhances the flavor. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish for that reason.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Use fresh tortellini for best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta – slightly al dente keeps it from falling apart when mixed.
Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before tossing to let the flavors meld.
Add the spinach last to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Taste before serving – sometimes a final sprinkle of salt or extra Parmesan brings it all together.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using hot tortellini: This can wilt the spinach too much and thin out the creamy dressing.
Skipping the chill time: You miss out on the full flavor development.
Too much dressing: Add dressing gradually. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Using dry chicken: The salad thrives on moist, tender shredded chicken. Overcooked breast can feel out of place.
Not draining sun-dried tomatoes: Especially if they’re oil-packed, blot them so the dressing doesn’t get greasy.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread adds crunch and soaks up any extra dressing perfectly.

A Crisp Green Salad

Serve with a light lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creamy pasta salad.

Grilled Veggies

Charred zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add a smoky balance to the rich pasta.

Chilled White Wine or Iced Tea

Something refreshing and crisp helps lighten the richness.

Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking to serve it as a dinner centerpiece, these sides make it more filling.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s a great make-ahead lunch or meal prep option. If the salad gets dry over time, just stir in a tablespoon of mayo or Greek yogurt before serving.

Freezing: Not recommended. The pasta and creamy dressing do not thaw well, and the spinach will lose its texture.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per 1-cup serving, approximate)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 590mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better when made a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge and toss it again before serving.

Can I use canned chicken?

While not my favorite option for flavor, it works in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It holds up for several days and doesn’t get soggy, making it ideal for weekday lunches.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and add white beans or extra veggies like roasted red pepper or grilled zucchini.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can use all Greek yogurt or a creamy vegan dressing to keep it lighter or dairy-free.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that brings people together — rich, hearty, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re preparing for a casual lunch, a family gathering, or just want something that tastes like love in a bowl, this recipe is bound to win hearts. Go ahead — give it a try and see why everyone falls for it!