Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

921195's Note:

Working at a pizza shop in high school, I loved a recipe similar to this. After years of trying to duplicate it, I think I've come about as close as I'm going to get, and I love it. There are many variations on ingredients that will make it healthier, but I suggest trying the original first since it is sinfully delicious.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 (20 ounce) package cheese tortellini
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese , shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing (more may be used according to personal preference)

Directions:

1. Slice bacon into thin strips (1/2 - 1 inches in width). Separate slices and place into a preheated frying pan.
2. While bacon is browning, prepare the tortellini's according to the package's directions. When the tortellini's are fully cooked, run under cool water, drain, and set aside to cool.
3. When the bacon is fully cooked, carefully drain the grease and spread the bacon pieces onto paper towels to remove excess grease. Set aside to cool.
4. Slice the tomatoes in half.
5. In a large bowl, combine the tortellini's, bacon, tomatoes, cheese and ranch dressing. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour, but as much as 2 days.
7. When ready to serve, you may add the extra ranch dressing if you wish.

Reviews

[KellyMac6]

Everyone loved this. I loved how easy it was to prepare! Two of my guests preferred this warmed and I preferrred it with the addition of some Frank's Red Hot. Also, I thought that red onions might make a nice addition to the dish. In the future I will probably add the cheese to the totrtellinis as quickly as I can while they are still hot so that the cheese melts. Overall though this is a very versatile recipe that will be served at my table again and again.

[megsacoug]

Love this recipe...I added pieces of cucumber and grilled chicken. Took it to a BBQ and it was a hit!

[Chef #1006254]

OMG!!! Made this last night, it was amazing!!! Can't stop talking about it.