Creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells have become my go-to for an easy yet impressive weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried making them; I was looking for some new creamy buffalo chicken recipes that could satisfy my craving for that tangy buffalo flavor without all the fuss. The aroma of the baking shells, filled with that irresistible spicy, cheesy chicken mixture, filled my kitchen and had my family begging for seconds before they even took their first bite. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and bold flavor that everyone will adore. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly satisfying and brings that beloved buffalo chicken flavor to your dinner table in a whole new way.
- It’s an easy creamy buffalo chicken meal that comes together quickly.
- The shells are perfectly tender, cradling a rich, spicy filling.
- It’s a fantastic option for game days or casual get-togethers.
- The combination of creamy cheese and tangy buffalo sauce is simply irresistible.
- This is an easy creamy buffalo chicken recipe that even beginner cooks can master.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
- The baked cheese topping adds that perfect cheesy, gooey finish.
Ingredients for Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dish. You’ll find that many are pantry staples, making this a convenient meal to throw together anytime.
- 20 jumbo pasta shells – these are the perfect vessels for holding all that yummy filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here!
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce – this is the heart of our spicy, tangy flavor
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – crucial for that smooth, luscious texture in the creamy buffalo chicken filling
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – adds a cool, creamy counterpoint to the spice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for that classic melty, gooey topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – adds another layer of cheesy goodness
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – for a fresh, vibrant garnish
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional topping) – for an extra creamy finish
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your shells won’t stick and will bake up beautifully.
- Step 2: Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions in salted boiling water until they are al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. You don’t want them to be mushy! Drain them carefully and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Set them aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
- Step 3: While the shells are cooling, prepare the flavorful filling. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, 1 cup buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened, and 1/2 cup ranch dressing. Add the 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Stir everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and well blended. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
- Step 4: Now comes the fun part! Gently stuff each of the cooled jumbo shells with a generous amount of the creamy buffalo chicken mixture. Don’t be shy; pack them full!
- Step 5: Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the prepared baking dish, side-by-side. This helps them hold their shape as they bake.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed shells evenly with the 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as the cheese begins to melt and bubble, creating that irresistible golden-brown topping that truly defines creamy buffalo chicken baked dishes.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The filling should be heated through, and the shells tender. This is the magic moment of how to make creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells perfectly!
- Step 8: Once out of the oven, let the shells rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish generously with the 1/4 cup chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. If desired, add a dollop of 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for an extra creamy finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Want to elevate your buffalo chicken shells from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. Trust me, these tips will ensure your dish is a guaranteed hit every single time.
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells; al dente is key for them to hold their shape and texture once baked.
- Using a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor.
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
- Taste the filling before stuffing the shells and adjust seasonings or buffalo sauce to your preference.
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
The magic truly lies in the balance of creamy and spicy. Softened cream cheese and ranch dressing are essential for that luscious texture, creating the best creamy buffalo chicken filling. For more insights on achieving perfect creamy textures in cooking, you can explore resources on culinary techniques.
Can I make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the shells and arrange them in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are going into the oven cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
A common pitfall is mushy pasta; cook shells just until al dente. To prevent a bland flavor, ensure you use a good quality buffalo wing sauce and taste your filling before stuffing. If your filling seems too thick, a tablespoon of ranch or wing sauce can loosen it up. For more information on pasta cooking, check out pasta preparation guides.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
These flavorful shells are a meal in themselves, but pairing them with a few simple sides really makes the dish sing. They’re hearty enough for a main course but also make fantastic buffalo chicken stuffed appetizers when served in smaller portions or with a side of celery and blue cheese dip.
For a complete meal, I love serving these with a crisp, cool salad. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy shells. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, consider a platter of fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices alongside a cool ranch or blue cheese dip. This balances the heat beautifully and provides a satisfying crunch. You can find more recipe ideas here.
Variations of Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting to find new ways to enjoy this dish! If you’re looking for a different twist, try these variations. They offer exciting new flavors and textures that keep things interesting, and they’re all incredibly delicious.
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Chicken Thighs: For a lower-carb option, skip the shells and stuff boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the creamy buffalo chicken filling. Wrap them in bacon for extra flavor and bake until cooked through.
- Spicy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole: If you’re short on time or prefer a more rustic dish, skip stuffing the shells. Instead, mix cooked shells directly with the buffalo chicken filling and top with cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole.
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Swap the pasta shells for bell peppers! Halve and de-seed bell peppers, par-boil them briefly, then stuff with the filling and bake until tender and the cheese is melted.
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Bread Rolls: For a fun appetizer, hollow out small bread rolls and fill them with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture, then bake until warm and gooey.
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
This recipe offers a satisfying meal with a good balance of protein and flavor. The nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, as well as serving size. For more information on nutritional data, consult a nutrition resource.
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 shells)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: (not specified)
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
One of the best things about this creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells recipe is how well it stores and reheats. It’s perfect for meal prepping or for enjoying leftovers. Once baked, let the shells cool completely before storing them. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making them a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It’s almost as good as the first time, like a delicious creamy buffalo chicken casserole!
If you want to freeze them for longer, that’s easy too! Wrap the cooled stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. For information on food safety, refer to food safety guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
What are Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
Creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells are a delightful pasta dish where jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. This filling is rich, tangy, and slightly spicy, creating a flavor explosion. The shells are then baked with plenty of cheese until bubbly and golden. It’s a comfort food classic with a zesty buffalo kick!
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is ideal, you can also use diced chicken breast or even leftover cooked chicken. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, providing pre-cooked, flavorful chicken that makes preparing this dish even easier.
What if I don’t like ranch dressing?
No problem! You can easily substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch dressing if that’s more to your taste. Both offer a creamy element that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully, though blue cheese is the more traditional pairing for buffalo flavors.
How spicy are these stuffed shells?
The spiciness largely depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. Most standard buffalo sauces provide a medium heat. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or add a little extra ranch or cream cheese to the filling to temper the heat. For a spicier kick, use a hotter wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed: 30 Min Flavor Bomb
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine classic buffalo chicken flavors with creamy, cheesy comfort in jumbo pasta shells. This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or serving a crowd, offering a satisfying meal that’s both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well blended.
- Gently stuff each shell with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shells with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and optional Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Notes
- Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if preferred.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
- Include chopped celery or bell pepper for added crunch.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Adjust spice level with mild buffalo sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Store unbaked shells in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 shells)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
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