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Creamy Marry Me Pasta Salad

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Creamy Marry Me Pasta Salad is a rich and flavorful cold pasta dish inspired by the viral Marry Me pasta. Featuring sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, herbs, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for potlucks, romantic meals, or refreshing summer sides.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup baby spinach
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and any optional add-ins like chicken, spinach, or tomatoes.
  4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine until evenly coated.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  6. Stir gently and top with extra Parmesan or herbs before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Use short, ridged pasta to hold the creamy dressing well.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be oil-packed (drained) or rehydrated dry-packed.
  • For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for texture and flavor contrast.
  • Stir before serving and add extra dressing if the salad has thickened.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/creamy-marry-me-pasta-salad/