Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells: A Creamy, Spicy Comfort Food Delight

Craving something comforting, cheesy, and with a kick? Look no further than these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells! This recipe takes the classic comfort of stuffed pasta and infuses it with the bold and zesty flavors of buffalo chicken. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells overflowing with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy filling, all baked to bubbly, golden-brown perfection. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a game-day gathering. It’s easy to customize to your spice preference, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy schedules.

## Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and savory chicken is simply irresistible.
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** Stuffed pasta is the epitome of comfort food, and this recipe takes it to the next level.
* **Easy to Make:** While it might look impressive, this dish is surprisingly simple to put together.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite toppings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the shells ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is always a hit at parties and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Jumbo Pasta Shells:** The foundation of our dish! Choose a good quality brand that holds its shape well during cooking.
* **Cooked Chicken:** Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or you can use leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs. Shred the chicken into small pieces.
* **Cream Cheese:** This provides the creamy base for our filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Adds a light and slightly tangy flavor to the filling.
* **Buffalo Wing Sauce:** The star of the show! Use your favorite brand and adjust the amount to your desired spice level. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.
* **Ranch Dressing:** Adds a cool and creamy element that complements the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Provides a sharp and cheesy flavor. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
* **Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:** Melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
* **Green Onions:** Add a fresh and vibrant flavor. Thinly sliced.
* **Garlic Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor of the filling.
* **Onion Powder:** Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to balance the flavors.
* **Olive Oil:** For cooking the pasta.

**Optional Toppings:**

* Crumbled Blue Cheese
* Chopped Celery
* Extra Buffalo Sauce
* Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing for drizzling
* Fresh Parsley or Cilantro

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Pot
* Colander
* Large Mixing Bowl
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish
* Spoon or Piping Bag

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells.

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta as it cooks.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This prevents the shells from becoming mushy when baked.
3. Drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the shells from sticking together. Drizzle with a little olive oil to further prevent sticking.
4. Gently place the cooked shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking while you prepare the filling.

**Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in the filling. Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce amount according to your spice preference.
2. Add the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions to the bowl. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken tough.

**Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Shells**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the buffalo chicken filling. You can use a spoon to do this, or for a neater presentation, transfer the filling to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a corner cut off) and pipe the filling into the shells. The piping bag method is especially helpful if you want to ensure each shell is filled evenly.
3. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, side by side. Try to fit them snugly together to prevent them from drying out.

**Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Shells**

1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. This will create a delicious, bubbly topping.
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the shells moist and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the shells during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
4. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, extra buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and fresh parsley or cilantro.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavor!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is key to preventing mushy shells.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Add more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
* **Don’t Overfill the Shells:** This can cause them to burst during baking.
* **Use a Piping Bag:** This makes stuffing the shells easier and neater.
* **Cover with Foil:** This keeps the shells moist during baking.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the shells to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Gruyere.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the filling.
* **Spicier:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
* **Lighter Version:** Use reduced-fat cream cheese and ricotta cheese to lighten up the dish.
* **Use Ground Chicken:** Substitute the shredded chicken for ground chicken that has been cooked and seasoned. You can even use ground turkey or ground beef.
* **Add Spinach:** Incorporate some chopped, cooked spinach into the filling for added nutrients and flavor.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining or weeknight dinners.

1. Prepare the shells and filling as directed in the recipe.
2. Stuff the shells and arrange them in the baking dish.
3. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure the shells are heated through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

## Serving Suggestions

These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:

* A side salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing
* Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
* Garlic bread
* Coleslaw

## Recipe Card

**Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells**

A creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
* 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 15 oz ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (or more to taste)
* 1/4 cup ranch dressing
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup sliced green onions
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil

**Optional Toppings:**

* Crumbled blue cheese
* Chopped celery
* Extra buffalo sauce
* Ranch or blue cheese dressing
* Fresh parsley or cilantro

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix well.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture.
6. Arrange stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the shells.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with desired toppings and serve immediately.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media! Happy cooking!