Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente texture. Drain pasta.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the minced garlic in reserved bacon grease until lightly toasted.

Step 4

Whisk in the cream cheese and heat over low until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Whisk in the ranch seasoning mix and then the milk. Heat over medium until mixture is combined. Whisk in 1 cup of grated cheese and stir until melted.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta, half of the bacon, and the chicken and stir to combine all the ingredients. Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish.

Step 7

Top with remaining 1 1⁄2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the remaining bacon crumbles.

Step 8

Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling and beginning to brown.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.