Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Buffalo chicken has long been a favorite in American cuisine, celebrated for its bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that can instantly elevate any dish. Traditionally associated with wings and casual gatherings, the combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and the iconic buffalo sauce has transcended its origins, finding its way into pasta, dips, sandwiches, and now, stuffed shells. This recipe—Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells—takes the comforting elements of traditional Italian stuffed pasta and fuses them with the irresistible punch of buffalo chicken, creating a dish that is both indulgent and crowd-pleasing.

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At its core, this dish is a symphony of textures and flavors. Jumbo pasta shells act as perfect vessels, cradling a rich filling of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a medley of cheeses that melt beautifully in the oven. The buffalo sauce infuses the filling with a vibrant heat that balances the creamy richness, while a touch of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a subtle tang, softening the spice and adding layers of flavor. Once baked, these stuffed shells develop a golden, bubbly top, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Beyond the flavor, this recipe also celebrates the versatility of comfort food. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week. You can customize the spice level to suit your preference, swap out cheeses for different textures and flavors, or even add vegetables like spinach or roasted peppers to make it more hearty. The combination of Italian and American flavors results in a dish that is familiar yet exciting, simple yet sophisticated—a true testament to culinary creativity.

In the following pages, this recipe will guide you step-by-step through every detail, from preparing the chicken filling to perfectly stuffing the shells and achieving a beautifully baked, creamy buffalo masterpiece. Each section will provide tips, substitutions, and techniques to ensure your dish turns out perfectly, whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen. By the end, you will have mastered a dish that is rich in flavor, visually impressive, and guaranteed to satisfy any crowd.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a carefully curated list of ingredients for the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for tanginess)

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)

• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for freshness)

For the Pasta:

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells

• Water for boiling

• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For Topping and Baking:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: additional buffalo sauce drizzle before serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

1. Boil water in a large pot. Fill a large pot with water, enough to allow the pasta to move freely. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance flavor.

2. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente. Add the shells to the boiling water carefully to avoid breaking them. Stir gently at the beginning to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, usually 10–12 minutes.

   • Tip: Al dente is key here. Slightly undercooked shells will finish cooking in the oven and hold their shape without falling apart.

3. Drain and cool. Once cooked, drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and makes them easier to handle without tearing. Set aside on a clean towel or baking sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Shred the chicken. Use cooked chicken—rotisserie, poached, or baked works best. Shred it finely using two forks or chop it into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Soften the cream cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth filling.

3. Mix the base ingredients. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

   • Tip: For a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer on low speed.

4. Add seasonings and cheeses. Fold in mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

5. Taste and adjust. At this stage, taste the filling. Add more buffalo sauce if you prefer more heat, or additional dressing for creaminess. Optionally, fold in parsley or chives for freshness.

Step 3: Assemble the Shells

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish (9×13 inch works well) by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

2. Fill the shells. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture. Be generous, but avoid overfilling to prevent spilling during baking.

   • Tip: Use a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off for cleaner, faster filling.

3. Arrange the shells in the baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer. Make sure they are close together but not squished, which allows even cooking and heat distribution.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake

1. Sprinkle with cheese. Top the filled shells with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

2. Cover with foil. Tent a piece of aluminum foil over the dish to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.

3. Bake in preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and lightly golden, and the filling should be hot and bubbly.

   • Tip: If you like a crispier top, you can broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish. Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the baked shells for color and flavor.

2. Optional sauce drizzle. For extra kick, drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the shells before serving.

3. Serving suggestion. Serve warm, ideally with a side of celery sticks, a light salad, or garlic bread to balance the richness.