Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, you’re in for a treat with this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe. Combining tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, spicy chicken mixture and topped with gooey melted cheese and tangy buffalo sauce, this meal will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This is a simple yet spectacular way to bring the zing of buffalo wings into a cozy pasta dish everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese makes every bite irresistible.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Combines classic stuffed shells with the exciting tang of buffalo chicken for a new twist on comfort food.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and basic ingredients come together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy filling and mild heat that’s easy to adjust.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead for stress-free dinner parties or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe plays a crucial role in building rich flavor, creamy texture, and vivid color, making this dish as satisfying to the eyes as it is to the palate.

• Large pasta shells: Holds the delicious filling perfectly and provides a tender bite.
• Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein, juicy and easy to mix with buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo wing sauce: Adds signature spicy punch and tang that brings the dish to life.
• Cream cheese: Gives a smooth, creamy base that balances the heat of the sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey texture and mild flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and color contrast for richness.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Swirled into the filling or drizzled on top for cooling creaminess.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

Variations for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Feel free to adapt this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe to suit your lifestyle, dietary preferences, or pantry supplies without losing the soul of this delicious dish.

• Use ground chicken or turkey: A lean alternative that still absorbs buffalo sauce wonderfully.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for shredded jackfruit or chopped mushrooms with buffalo sauce for plant-based zing.
• Extra heat: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the spice level.
• Dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe suitable for lactose intolerance.
• Add veggies: Mix in finely diced celery or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure to brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring each shell is generously stuffed but not overfilled to avoid bursting when baked.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly on top, then drizzle remaining buffalo sauce over the shells and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and begins to turn golden on top. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked shells hold their shape better when baking.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Saves time and enhances flavor with a smoky profile.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity: Increase or reduce depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Mix cheeses well: Combining mozzarella and cheddar gives great texture and depth.
• Cover loosely with foil: Prevents cheese from burning before shells are heated through.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing add color, freshness, and extra flavor contrast to your buffalo chicken stuffed shells.

Side Dishes

Serve with crunchy celery sticks or a crisp side salad with cooling cucumbers and tomatoes to balance the spicy richness of buffalo chicken stuffed shells perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange shells in a circular pattern on a platter, drizzle with buffalo sauce and cheese, and add small bowls of ranch and blue cheese on the side to create an inviting sharing board for parties or game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover buffalo chicken stuffed shells in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving their creamy texture and rich flavors well.

Freezing

Freeze assembled, uncooked stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through, making sure the cheese is melty and the filling is hot.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds delicious smoky flavor, making your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells even easier to prepare.

How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

The dish has a moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add jalapeños to tweak the spice to your liking.

What cheese works best for stuffing these shells?

A combination of cream cheese inside for creaminess and mozzarella plus cheddar on top for melting and sharpness works best to balance flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pasta shells to keep the dish gluten-free, and ensure your buffalo sauce and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms tossed in buffalo sauce for a flavorful meatless alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe brings together the best of spicy and creamy comfort food in a simple, satisfying package that anyone can make at home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends, this dish will deliver big on flavor and warmth. So grab your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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