Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 16 oz short pasta, uncooked
02 - 8-10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
03 - 2 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
04 - 10 oz tomatoes, quartered
05 - 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley
06 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
07 - 1 cup shredded parmesan
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Ranch Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 2/3 cup whole milk (plus up to 1/3 cup more if desired)
12 - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
13 - 1 teaspoon fresh parsley and dill, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to cool down. Optionally, toss with a touch of olive oil. Set aside.
02 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning. Add additional milk to adjust thickness to desired consistency.
03 - Combine pasta, bacon, chicken, tomatoes, parsley, onion, parmesan, and pepper in a large bowl. Add about 2/3 of the dressing and toss to coat. Chill for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
04 - Before serving, adjust the amount of dressing by adding more if needed. Toss the salad again and garnish with additional parsley and parmesan.

# Notes:

01 - Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture.
02 - Do not make the salad more than 24 hours in advance to prevent soggy vegetables and overly absorbed dressing.
03 - Season with salt to taste if needed, as bacon, chicken, and dressing already contribute saltiness.