This is not going to be one of those super long recipe posts telling you a story about how this Alfredo-like pasta salad came from a wonderful aunt (it did) who was a great hostess (she was) and it changed my life forever (it just might have).
If you are a fan of a creamy pasta sauces like my homemade butter and cream sauce recipe, you’re going to especially like this pasta salad dressing.
I mean really, really like it… especially when you find out how darn easy it is!
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3 ingredient dressing
In addition to the 3 ingredient dressing (right?!), this Alfredo pasta salad has other wonderful qualities:
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Bold flavor. This isn’t one of your oily-no-flavor pasta salad recipes. The creamy italian dressing recipe coats any curly pasta or makes a mean fettuccine alfredo pasta salad. And did I tell you it only has 3 ingredients? 🤗
Perfect side dish recipe. Your holiday ham or beef tenderloin would love to have a big scoop of this pasta salad alongside it!
Unique ingredients. A few little accessories like salty sunflower seeds, some broccolini and a burst of Calabrian peppers totally seal the deal.
Speaking of ingredients…read on to see what you’ll need.
Screenshot for the store
Take this photo with you to the store because the dressing ingredients are very specific.
- Marie’s Creamy Italian Garlic dressing. Local Chi-town friends can find it at Jewel-Osco.
- Paul Newman’s Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing. You can substitute any Italian dressing that’s your favorite…or you can check out my salad dressing guide and make one of mine!
- Fresh grated parmesan cheese. You know how I feel about fresh grated parm. It’s a must. But…the green can is acceptable here if that’s all you have!
Pasta shape suggestions
To make this easy four ingredient pasta salad recipe, you’ll start with some cooked pasta. My favorites are:
- farfalle (as shown)
- fettuccine or bucatini
- cavatappi, rotini, or fusilli
- tortellini
Make the creamy Italian dressing
This is a super kid-friendly pasta recipe because mixing up this dressing is as easy as opening a couple of containers and pouring dressing in a bowl!
Mix the two dressings together in a large measuring cup or bowl (1). Stir in the grated parmesan (2).
Voila! You just made the dressing!
Mixing
Pour the dressing over the cooked and drained pasta (3).
Mix with a wooden spoon until the pasta is well-coated with the dressing (4).
Make ahead plan
- Mix the dressing up the day before.
- Cook the pasta up then too.
- Combine the dressing and the pasta the day you plan to serve it reserving some dressing to toss with the pasta right before serving as the pasta absorbs a lot of dressing when made ahead.
Don’t add the sunflower seeds until right before serving.
Made this recipe?
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Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
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Equipment
- steamer, optional
Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatappi, fettuccine, rotini or your favorite curly pasta
- 1 cup Marie's Creamy Italian Garlic Salad Dressing
- ½ cup Paul Newmans' Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1-2 small heads broccolini
- 2 Tablespoons chopped Calabrian chiles
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don't overcook!
- In a medium bowl, mix the dressing ingredients together including the parmesan.
- While the pasta is cooking, steam some broccolini until bright green and tender, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside to cool.
- Toss the dressing with the pasta. If the pasta is still warm when you mix it with the dressing, reserve a little dressing for tossing with right before serving if you aren't eating right away.
- Garnish with the steamed broccolini, a generous sprinkling of sunflower seeds, and some chopped Calabrian chiles.
I made this in the summer for an outdoor gathering at our summer place and it was such a hit. I was asked for the recipe. I’m having a small dinner gathering next week and it’s one of the things I’m going to put it on the menu. Easy and delicious.
Thanks so much Maria! It’s a family fav for sure and so darn easy! Happy Thanksgiving!!🦃
Tried this and was a big hit, very yummy. I added some fresh arugula to it as well and worked well with other ingredients. Upped the amount of calabrian chilis too, my guys like a little more heat.
Next time I may made add some roasted pine nuts – think that would work well with it too.
Thanks again Lori!
Hi Annette! So glad you all liked it…the easiest pasta salad. It’s Jim’s Aunt Rose’s recipe and she was a great cook and entertainer ♥️ just like you! Love the idea of the pine nuts…Trader Joe’s sells them already roasted too 😊