Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells offer a delicious twist on a classic pasta dish that will leave everyone at your table asking for seconds. Imagine large pasta shells filled with creamy buffalo chicken filling, topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. This recipe is not only satisfying but also simple enough for any home cook to master. Whether you are preparing a weeknight dinner or planning for a special gathering, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and savory chicken delivers an explosion of flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of cheese. In this article, you’ll learn how to create this mouthwatering dish step-by-step while discovering tips and tricks that enhance your cooking experience. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells that will become a staple in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that can hold the filling well; about 20-24 should suffice.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 3-4 chicken breasts will work; adjust based on serving size.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce to add a kick of heat.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a creamy texture that balances the spiciness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar adds flavor; reserve some for topping.
For the Sauce:
- Ranch Dressing: Use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing to drizzle over the top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless skinless chicken breasts until they are no longer pink in the center (about 6-8 minutes per side). Let them cool slightly before shredding them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Fill the Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fill each cooked shell with the buffalo chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange the filled shells upright in rows within the dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last five minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with ranch dressing for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating shredded chicken in buffalo sauce overnight
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and stuff the shells a day in advance. Store the stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy weekdays and enhances flavor as it sits.
- Storing: Leftover Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Use freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the shells with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time, about 30-40 minutes, ensuring they are warmed thoroughly without drying out.
FAQs :
What are Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
Buffalo chicken stuffed shells are a delicious and hearty dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture. This filling typically includes shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce, all of which create a creamy and flavorful stuffing. After being filled, the shells are usually covered in marinara sauce or additional buffalo sauce before being baked until bubbly. This dish is perfect for game day or any family dinner where you want to impress with minimal effort.
How do I make the filling for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
To prepare the filling for buffalo chicken stuffed shells, start by cooking and shredding boneless chicken breasts. Mix the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and your choice of hot sauce to achieve the desired spice level. Make sure to blend these ingredients well until they form a smooth consistency. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preference for heat. Once mixed, this creamy filling is ready to be spooned into each cooked pasta shell.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble buffalo chicken stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Simply prepare the shells as per your recipe, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in a preheated oven. This ensures even cooking and avoids shocking the pasta with sudden temperature changes.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
Buffalo chicken stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement their flavors. Consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Another excellent option is garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks that can soak up any leftover sauce on your plate. For an added kick, carrot sticks and celery served with ranch dipping sauce make a great accompaniment as well.
Are there vegetarian options for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
Yes! You can easily create a vegetarian version of buffalo chicken stuffed shells by substituting shredded chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins such as tempeh or tofu. Use similar spices and sauces to achieve that signature buffalo flavor while keeping it meat-free. Cream cheese can also be replaced with vegan cream cheese for a fully plant-based version. This allows everyone to enjoy this tasty dish without compromising on flavor.
How long do Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells take to bake?
Typically, buffalo chicken stuffed shells will take about 25-30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C). The goal is to heat through all ingredients thoroughly while melting any cheese on top to achieve that golden-brown crust. To ensure they are cooked properly, you can check if they are bubbling around the edges and heated throughout when you insert a knife into the center.
Conclusion :
Buffalo chicken stuffed shells are an ideal dish that blends heartiness with bold flavors perfectly suited for gatherings or family dinners. By preparing creamy fillings infused with spicy buffalo sauce and combining them within large pasta shells, you create a comforting meal everyone will love. Make these ahead of time for convenience or modify them into vegetarian versions without losing their delicious essence. Whether paired with fresh salads or cheesy breadsticks, this dish guarantees satisfaction at every bite. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile recipe that brings joy to any table!
Print
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a mouthwatering twist on a classic pasta dish that combines creamy, spicy flavors with the comforting texture of baked pasta. These jumbo shells are filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce, then topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. Get ready to savor each bite!
Ingredients
– Jumbo pasta shells
– Boneless skinless chicken breasts
– Buffalo sauce
– Cream cheese
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Ranch dressing (for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil salted water and cook jumbo shells al dente; drain.
2. In a skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink; shred into pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and half the cheddar until well combined.
4. Fill each shell with the mixture and place in a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover during the last 5 minutes for browning.
6. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.
Notes
– For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce overnight.
– Substitute shredded chicken with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g