Delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe Perfect for Dinner

The creamy, spicy tang of buffalo chicken paired with tender pasta shells and bubbly melted cheese—just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for something extra special for dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, and you can customize it to suit your spice level!

I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted to combine my love of buffalo chicken dip with a hearty, satisfying pasta dish. After a few tweaks and tests, this recipe was born, and I’ve been making it ever since. Trust me, every bite is packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness, and it’s one of those meals that everyone at the table will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Bold Flavor: The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce paired with creamy cheese and tender pasta shells creates a flavor combination you’ll crave again and again.
• Great for Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, everyone will love these stuffed shells.
• Customizable Spice Level: Dial up the heat or keep it mild—this recipe works for everyone’s taste buds.
• Makes Leftovers You’ll Love: The leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day, which makes this recipe a winner for meal prep.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Unlike traditional stuffed shells, this recipe brings the irresistible flavor of buffalo chicken to the table in a cheesy, comforting way. The filling is creamy and rich, thanks to a combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Plus, the addition of mozzarella and cheddar on top ensures a perfectly gooey finish. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. If you’ve ever loved buffalo wings or buffalo chicken dip, this dish is like the ultimate upgrade!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo pasta shells: The star of the show! Look for jumbo shells that are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience, but you can also cook and shred your own.
• Cream cheese: Softened to make mixing easy. This is the secret to a creamy filling.
• Buffalo sauce: Use your favorite brand—adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Ranch dressing: Adds tangy creaminess and balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For mixing into the filling and sprinkling on top.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds color and sharp flavor to the dish.
• Green onions: Optional, but they add a pop of freshness.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the filling.

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing, or use a dairy-free cream cheese and cheese blend for a lactose-friendly version.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this recipe:

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
• Mixing bowls: To prepare the filling.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly to hold the stuffed shells.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing the filling ingredients.
• Cheese grater: If you’re grating your own cheese.

If you don’t have a cheese grater, pre-shredded cheese works just fine. And if you don’t have a large baking dish, two smaller dishes can work in a pinch!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Stuff the shells: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each shell, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.

Tip: If your shells start to tear during stuffing, don’t worry! Just tuck them into the dish, and they’ll still taste amazing.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercook the shells so they hold their shape better and won’t tear when stuffed.
• Adjust the spice level: Use less buffalo sauce for a milder version or add more for extra heat.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: It saves time and adds great flavor to the dish.
• Prep ahead: Make the filling in advance and refrigerate. You can stuff the shells right before baking.
• Grease your baking dish: This prevents the shells from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

If you’ve ever struggled with stuffed shells sticking together, try laying them out on a parchment-lined tray after cooking to keep them separated.

Variations & Adaptations

• Low-carb version: Swap the pasta shells for cooked zucchini slices and roll them around the buffalo chicken filling.
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheese substitutes.
• Extra cheesy: Add more mozzarella and cheddar for an ultra-gooey finish.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or crumbled tofu for a meat-free alternative.
• Mix up the sauce: Substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet variation.

One time, I added crumbled bacon to the filling for an extra indulgent twist—it was a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or rolls are also a fantastic addition!

To store leftovers, transfer the shells to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For freezing, place the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While exact values depend on the specific brands and quantities used, here’s an estimate per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 450-500
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fat: 20-25g

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are rich in protein from the chicken and cheese, making them a satisfying meal. If you’re watching carbs, try the zucchini variation for a lower-carb option!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the answer. With their creamy filling, spicy buffalo kick, and cheesy topping, they’re a meal that hits all the right notes.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—adjust the spice level, add extra cheese, or tweak it to fit your dietary needs. I’ve made this dish countless times, and every time, it’s a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

I’d love to hear how your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite variations or how you served them. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them in the baking dish for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but you can also cook chicken breasts and shred them using two forks or a stand mixer.

Can I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch?

Absolutely! Blue cheese dressing adds a tangy, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.

How do I make this recipe less spicy?

Use less buffalo sauce and add a little more ranch dressing to mellow out the heat.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells freeze wonderfully! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months before baking.

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