Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
If you are looking for a recipe that combines the comfort of pasta with the spicy, tangy kick of buffalo chicken, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice. This dish takes the classic stuffed shells concept and gives it a bold, flavorful twist, using shredded buffalo chicken as the filling. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that packs a punch, with creamy cheese and the boldness of buffalo sauce complementing the richness of the pasta shells.
Whether you’re preparing for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells will stand out, offering layers of flavor and texture. This recipe includes helpful tips, step-by-step instructions, and suggestions for variations to ensure that every time you make this dish, it turns out just the way you want it.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine the best of both worlds: the hearty, comforting appeal of stuffed pasta shells and the bold, zesty flavor of buffalo chicken. The dish is layered with creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and savory shredded chicken, making it an instant hit for anyone who enjoys the spicy, vinegary flavor of buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and flavor, offering a unique twist on traditional pasta bakes.
This recipe is perfect for buffalo sauce lovers or anyone looking to try something new with pasta. The stuffed shells are not only easy to prepare but also easy to customize to suit personal preferences, making them great for families, parties, or even meal prep.
Why Choose Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
There are many reasons why Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a standout dish. Let’s take a look at a few:
Comfort Food with a Twist
Stuffed shells themselves are a classic comfort food—pasta filled with cheese and baked in a rich sauce. But when you add buffalo chicken to the equation, you bring bold flavors that immediately elevate the dish. It’s the perfect marriage of comfort food with something a little more exciting.
Make Ahead Meal
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them off for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Whether you’re feeding a large family or having guests over for dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of cheesy pasta and spicy buffalo chicken appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is your step-by-step guide to making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until they are al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook the shells, as they will soften further when baking.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Lay the shells flat on a baking sheet or large plate to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink in the center. You can either grill, sauté, or bake the chicken—whatever is most convenient. Once cooked, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the filling is well combined and creamy. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you want the filling to be.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour a thin layer of buffalo sauce or marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking.
Using a spoon, stuff each jumbo shell with the buffalo chicken mixture. Carefully place the stuffed shells into the baking dish, ensuring they are closely packed but not overlapping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once all the shells are stuffed and placed in the baking dish, pour the remaining buffalo sauce or marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey, melty texture.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are heated through. For an extra golden, bubbly top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the shells are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
How to Make the Filling Extra Creamy
If you want your buffalo chicken filling to be extra creamy, add a little more cream cheese or a tablespoon of sour cream. This will help balance the heat of the buffalo sauce while making the filling even more indulgent.
Adjusting the Heat Level
If you prefer a milder version, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce you add to the chicken mixture. On the flip side, for those who like their food extra spicy, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Avoiding Dry Stuffed Shells
To prevent the shells from drying out, be sure to cover the dish with foil during the first part of the baking process. You can also drizzle some extra sauce over the shells before baking if you want a juicier dish.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
Make it Vegetarian
If you’re not a fan of chicken or prefer a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for a filling of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and onions. You can also use plant-based chicken substitutes.
Alternative Sauces and Cheese Choices
If you’re not a fan of buffalo sauce, try swapping it out for BBQ sauce for a different twist. You could also make the dish milder by using a creamy cheese sauce or ranch dressing as the base instead of buffalo sauce.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese are traditional choices, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Add More Vegetables
Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the buffalo chicken filling can enhance the flavor and make the dish more nutrient-dense.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with some sides to create a more complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo chicken and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Green Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with a simple vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli can be a great vegetable side that complements the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells? Absolutely. You can freeze the assembled shells before baking. Just cover the baking dish with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can either bake from frozen (it will take longer) or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a hearty, flavorful twist on traditional stuffed pasta shells. Combining the creamy richness of cheese with the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo chicken, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
By following the simple instructions and tips provided, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for both pasta and spicy buffalo wings. Experiment with variations to make the dish your own and enjoy the delicious, bold flavors in every bite!
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
If you are looking for a recipe that combines the comfort of pasta with the spicy, tangy kick of buffalo chicken, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice. This dish takes the classic stuffed shells concept and gives it a bold, flavorful twist, using shredded buffalo chicken as the filling. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that packs a punch, with creamy cheese and the boldness of buffalo sauce complementing the richness of the pasta shells.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta shells: Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the buffalo chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Add the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the shells: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into each pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly in a single layer.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: After baking, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional) and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or use a hotter buffalo sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier and quicker to prepare.
- Make ahead: You can stuff the shells and assemble the dish ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Cheese options: You can swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or use a blend of your favorite cheeses.