Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

# What You 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

# Steps to Follow:

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 Notes:

01 - For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
02 - Try smoked mozzarella or fresh mozzarella pearls for a twist.
03 - Great make-ahead option: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and toss with extra dressing just before serving.
04 - Pairs well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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