Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

If you’re craving a bold and comforting dish that brings a spicy kick and creamy, cheesy delight in every bite, this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for game day celebrations or cozy family dinners, these stuffed shells combine tender pasta with a rich filling of shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese, creating an irresistible meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The perfect blend of spicy buffalo heat and creamy cheese makes every bite exciting.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip this up anytime.
• Game Day Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that your guests will keep asking for.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance to make busy nights stress-free.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce for mild to fiery depending on your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These approachable ingredients come together to deliver layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy pull that makes Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells so special.

• Jumbo Shell Pasta: Provides the perfect vessel for the creamy buffalo chicken filling.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: A tender base that soaks up the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers the hallmark tangy heat essential to this dish.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to balance the heat and keep the filling luscious.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection for that comforting, cheesy topping.
• Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing: Mixed in or served on the side for cooling contrast.
• Minced Garlic: Boosts the depth of flavor with aromatic richness.
• Chopped Green Onions or Chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion bite and color.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjusts seasoning to create balance and highlight the main components.

Variations for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Want to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences? This recipe is flexible and easy to tweak to suit your needs and cravings.

• Vegetarian Twist: Use shredded jackfruit or chopped mushrooms instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative.
• Extra Cheese Lover: Incorporate creamier cheeses like ricotta or add shredded cheddar for sharper flavor.
• Heat Level Adjustments: Use mild buffalo sauce or triple the sauce for fiery spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute jumbo shells with gluten-free pasta shells or large pasta shapes.
• Smoky Flavor Addition: Mix in smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for depth.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells

Begin by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside carefully to cool, so they hold their shape when stuffed.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, a portion of the shredded mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper for a creamy, spicy filling.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Gently fill each cooled pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, making sure each is generously filled but not overstuffed to avoid breaking.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Arrange stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and add dollops of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the shells in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the entire dish is heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds juicy flavor to your filling.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook shells to avoid mushy texture after baking.
• Mix Sauces in Advance: Let the buffalo and cream cheese mixture cool slightly before stuffing for better consistency.
• Cover While Baking: Use foil covering for the first 15 minutes to keep moisture, then uncover for a golden cheese topping.
• Try Homemade Buffalo Sauce: Combine hot sauce, melted butter, and a pinch of garlic powder for fresh flavor control.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped green onions, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a striking presentation and extra flavor layers.

Side Dishes

Pair with crisp celery sticks, a fresh garden salad, or cooling cucumber slices to balance the spicy richness of the shells.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs to impress guests during casual or formal meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully; arrange stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect to prepare in advance for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot, optionally adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works great and makes the recipe quicker to prepare.

How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose; you can easily adjust it to be mild, medium, or extra hot depending on your preference.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swapping regular jumbo shells for gluten-free pasta shells is a simple way to make this recipe gluten-free.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely! Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Just thaw before reheating.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Fresh veggies like celery or cucumber, a crisp side salad, or even some cornbread complement this spicy, cheesy dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe brings together all the best things about comforting, cheesy pasta with a fiery kick that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a crowd-pleasing game day snack or a cozy family dinner, give this dish a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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