Go Back
Creamy Ranch Pasta Shells is a comforting dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of home-cooked meals. With its combination of rich, velvety cheese sauce and the tangy brightness of ranch dressing, this recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. The appeal of creamy ranch pasta shells lies not only in its robust flavors but also in its versatility, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving a cozy meal, this dish can easily fit the bill.

Creamy Ranch Pasta Shells

Discover the comforting flavors of Creamy Ranch Pasta Shells, a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. This recipe combines velvety cheese sauce with tangy ranch dressing, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Made with simple ingredients like jumbo pasta shells, heavy cream, and crispy bacon, this dish is easy to prepare for cooks of all skill levels. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or veggies, and enjoy a hearty meal that's sure to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz. jumbo pasta shells

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or crispy turkey bacon)

1 cup baby spinach, chopped

1/4 cup chopped green onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, ranch dressing, garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well until heated through, but do not boil.

      Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

        Mix in the Add-ins: Stir in the chopped spinach and cooked bacon into the cheese sauce until the spinach wilts slightly.

          Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy ranch mixture. Gently toss until the pasta is generously coated with the sauce.

            Serve: Divide the creamy ranch pasta shells into serving bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4-6 servings