Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy richness of melted cheese. This delectable recipe takes classic stuffed shells to a whole new level by adding a spicy kick. It’s the perfect blend of flavors for those who love a little heat in their meals.
These buffalo chicken stuffed shells are made with jumbo pasta shells that are filled with a mixture of cooked chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce. The chicken is seasoned with a variety of spices to enhance its flavor and create a deliciously tangy filling. The shells are then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a satisfyingly gooey and cheesy dish.
The combination of the spicy buffalo sauce and the creamy cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors. Every bite is packed with a punch of heat from the buffalo sauce, followed by a creamy and cheesy finish. These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner, and they are perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors!
Gather Your Ingredients
- Large pasta shells: You will need about 20 large pasta shells to stuff with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You will need about 2 cups of shredded chicken.
- Buffalo sauce: Buffalo sauce gives the dish its signature spicy and tangy flavor. Use your favorite brand or make your own.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess and balances out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. You will need about 8 ounces.
- Ranch dressing: Ranch dressing is used to make the filling more flavorful and creamy. Use about 1/2 cup.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese adds a delicious meltiness to the dish. You will need about 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Green onions: Green onions add freshness and a subtle onion flavor. You will need about 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: These common pantry spices will add extra flavor to the dish.
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. It’s also a good idea to read through the entire recipe to make sure you don’t miss any additional ingredients or steps. Once you have gathered everything, you can start preparing the delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells!
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the ranch dressing to the bowl and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions to the bowl. Mix everything together until the cheese and green onions are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the buffalo chicken mixture is prepared, it will be ready to be stuffed into the cooked pasta shells. The combination of the spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and tangy blue cheese creates a mouthwatering filling that will make these buffalo chicken stuffed shells a hit at any gathering. Don’t forget to serve them with some extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping!
Stuff the Shells
1. Cook the shells:
Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. It’s important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly when baked. Drain the cooked shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the buffalo chicken filling:
In a large bowl, combine cooked and shredded chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This flavorful filling should have a balance of spiciness and creaminess.
3. Stuff the shells:
To stuff the shells, take one cooled pasta shell and spoon a generous amount of buffalo chicken filling into it. Use the back of the spoon or your fingers to press the filling into the shell, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. Be careful not to overstuff the shells, as they may tear during baking.
For easier stuffing, you can use a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the filling into the shells. This method allows for more precision and control over the amount of filling in each shell.
Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. If desired, you can top the shells with some additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and melty goodness.
4. Bake and serve:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffed shells for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells make a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal. Serve them as a main course with a side salad or as an appetizer at your next gathering. The combination of tender pasta, spicy chicken, and creamy cheese is sure to impress!
