Description
Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Shells combine spicy buffalo chicken with creamy cheese and tender pasta shells, making a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
-
Fill the Pasta Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread marinara sauce over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the buffalo chicken mixture and place in the dish, open side up.
-
Bake the Shells
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese (if using), and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Let 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.
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or extra hot buffalo sauce.
- For a milder version: Use less buffalo sauce and more ranch dressing.
- Alternative cheeses: Try Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta shells or substitute bell peppers for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken shells stuffed pasta shells spicy chicken pasta buffalo chicken dinner game day food cheesy buffalo chicken easy pasta bake buffalo chicken casserole meal prep pasta