Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy, spicy mixture of shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, and cheeses. This recipe combines bold Buffalo flavor with gooey melted cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual gatherings. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta shells)
Ingredients
- Large pasta shells (about 20-25 shells)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving and garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Cook the pasta shells: Boil large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly for easier handling during stuffing.
- Prepare the Buffalo chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy and well blended.
- Stuff the shells: Spoon generous amounts of the Buffalo chicken mixture into each pasta shell, filling them fully but without overflowing.
- Assemble in a baking dish: Spread a thin layer of Buffalo sauce or marinara on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
Notes
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to avoid mushy shells that may collapse during stuffing or baking.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor effortlessly.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to personal preference.
- For extra richness, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top before baking.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking to set the filling, making serving easier.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Unbaked stuffed shells can be frozen in a single layer and baked directly from frozen with added cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, stuffed shells, spicy pasta, cheesy chicken recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, buffalo wing sauce, family-friendly recipe