Description
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, spicy chicken mixture and topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, finished off with tangy buffalo sauce for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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, brushing with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, half of the buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
- 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 during baking.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of the remaining buffalo sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly on top, drizzle with remaining buffalo sauce, then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the shells.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked shells hold their shape better when baked.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a smoky flavor.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to modify spice level.
- Mix mozzarella and cheddar cheese for balanced texture and richness.
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent cheese from burning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, stuffed shells, comfort food, easy dinner, spicy pasta, creamy chicken, weeknight meal
