Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Shells Recipe

Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Shells combine the rich, creamy flavors of buffalo chicken with tender pasta shells, creating a dish that’s both comforting and packed with a spicy kick. This recipe is perfect for game nights, family dinners, or when you want to impress guests with a unique take on classic buffalo chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Buffalo Flavor – A spicy, tangy, and creamy filling with shredded chicken, hot sauce, and cheese.
• Comforting & Hearty – Large pasta shells hold a deliciously cheesy, meaty filling.
• Great for Meal Prep – This dish can be made ahead and baked when ready.
• Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family-style dinners.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully incorporated and creamy.

3. Fill the Pasta Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the buffalo chicken mixture and place them in the dish, open side up.

4. Bake the Shells

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese (if using) over the shells, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

5. Serve and Garnish

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired. Serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Variations

• Make it Spicier – Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use extra hot buffalo sauce.
• Milder Version – Use less buffalo sauce and more ranch dressing to tone down the heat.
• Alternative Cheese – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian Option – Substitute shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pasta shells or substitute with bell peppers for a low-carb option.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Just drain and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

A rotisserie chicken works well for convenience, but you can also bake, boil, or slow-cook chicken breasts and shred them.

Can I use blue cheese instead of ranch dressing?

Absolutely! Blue cheese dressing gives the dish a tangy depth of flavor.

How do I prevent my pasta shells from tearing?

Cook them until al dente and handle them gently when draining and filling. Rinsing them under cold water helps prevent sticking and tearing.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Jumbo shells work best for stuffing, but you can use manicotti or layer the filling in cooked lasagna noodles for a similar effect.

What sides go well with buffalo chicken shells?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

What’s a good dipping sauce?

Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce are great for drizzling or dipping.

How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese, low-fat cheese, and a lighter ranch dressing to cut down on calories.

Conclusion

Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Shells offer a delicious balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors packed into perfectly cooked pasta shells. This dish is a great twist on classic buffalo chicken, making it a must-try for any buffalo sauce lover. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family dinner, or meal prep, it’s sure to be a hit!

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