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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Stuff the shells: Spoon generous amounts of the Buffalo chicken mixture into each pasta shell, filling them fully but without overflowing.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, stuffed shells, spicy pasta, cheesy chicken recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, buffalo wing sauce, family-friendly recipe