Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food that blends spicy buffalo chicken with a creamy filling. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. If you love bold flavors and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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These stuffed shells offer a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. The bold taste of buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, creating a rich, satisfying meal. With tender pasta shells filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch flavors, every bite is comforting. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a simple weeknight meal—or a crowd-pleaser for parties.
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- Large pasta shells
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Buffalo sauce
- Cream cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ranch dressing mix
- Green onions, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella, ranch dressing mix, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
- Stuff each shell with the buffalo chicken mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining buffalo sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
These creamy stuffed shells are best served warm. You can garnish them with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing for added flavor. They make a great main dish, and you can pair them with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
How to Store Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time.
Tips to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Perfect
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. It saves time and adds flavor.
- Choose your favorite brand of buffalo sauce for the best taste.
- For a bit more heat, add chopped jalapeños or more buffalo sauce to the filling.
- Make the dish even cheesier by mixing in crumbled blue cheese with the filling.
Flavor Variations
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Replace buffalo sauce with Alfredo sauce and use mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Shells: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce and add cheddar cheese for a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use shredded tofu mixed with buffalo sauce and cashew cream instead of cream cheese. Substitute vegan cheese for mozzarella.
Pro Tips for Success
- Ensure the pasta shells are not overcooked to keep their shape during stuffing.
- Allow the prepared filling to cool slightly before stuffing it into the shells for easier handling.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
FAQs About Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Can I substitute the ranch dressing mix?
Yes, you can use homemade ranch seasoning or replace it with Italian dressing mix for a different flavor. Adjust the salt accordingly since ranch dressing mix is salty.
What can I serve with Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells pair well with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. The creamy and spicy filling complements a variety of sides.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead and keep them unbaked in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of flavors that your family and friends will love. With their rich filling and cheesy topping, they are not just delicious but also easy to make. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella, ranch dressing mix, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
- Stuff each shell with the buffalo chicken mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining buffalo sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.