Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Tortellini, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil in a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for summer meals.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Chicken
01 - 500 g (1 lb) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
02 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
05 - ½ tsp salt
06 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables & Add-Ins
07 - 100 g (⅔ cup) sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and thinly sliced
08 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced (optional)
11 - 20 g (½ cup) fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Dressing
12 - 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise
13 - 60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream
14 - 30 ml (2 tbsp) sun-dried tomato oil (reserved from jar)
15 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
17 - 1 garlic clove, minced
18 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
19 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings
21 - 30 g (¼ cup) shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
22 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sun-dried tomato oil, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
04 - Add cooked tortellini, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers (if using), and torn basil to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Top with shaved Parmesan and extra fresh basil. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick to prepare ready in under an hour
- Everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect as a make-ahead meal for gatherings or lunches
- Feels indulgent but balanced with veggies and herbs
02 -
- Packed with protein and flavor all in one bowl
- Flexible with ingredient swaps for different diets
- Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge
03 -
- Use high quality sun-dried tomatoes and their oil for maximum flavor impact
- Let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy and tender
- Toss the pasta with dressing while it is still slightly warm to help absorb flavors