Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of short pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl to cool slightly.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 6 slices of bacon on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes until crispy. Once cooked, let cool and chop.

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream with 1 cup of ranch dressing. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Once the pasta has cooled, add ½ cup of chopped green onions, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix gently until well incorporated.

Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Just before serving, add the remaining bacon and any optional add-ins.