Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente (firm to the bite). Do not overcook it. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which is key to preventing a gummy pasta salad. Drain very thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your proteins. You can cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or boiling it, then let it cool before dicing or shredding. For the bacon, cook it until it’s very crispy using your preferred method (in a skillet, in the oven, or in an air fryer). The crispier, the better, as it will hold its texture in the creamy dressing. Once cooled, crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a medium bowl, prepare the enhanced ranch dressing. Whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, milk (or buttermilk), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you’re using fresh herbs, stir them in as well. This mixture will seem a bit thin, but the pasta will absorb some of the liquid as it chills, so it’s important to start with a pourable consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a very large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon (reserve the rest for topping), the shredded cheddar cheese, the sliced green onions, and the optional red onion.

Step 5: Dress and Toss
Pour about two-thirds of the ranch dressing mixture over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a large spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Don’t overmix. If it seems a little dry, add more dressing until it reaches your desired creaminess.

Step 6: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. This chilling time is essential! It allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to meld together into something truly delicious. For the absolute best results, let it chill overnight.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving
Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir. The pasta will have absorbed some dressing, so you may want to stir in the reserved dressing to freshen it up and make it creamy again. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and an extra sprinkle of green onions.