BUFFALO CHICKEN STUFFED SHELLS EASY

It’s a symphony of tangy heat and creamy comfort, all nestled inside a perfectly cooked pasta shell. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas, promising a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to create, and I promise, you’ll be making these again and again.

Ingredients

For the Shells:

• 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 1.5 pounds cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup water

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Ranch dressing
• Buffalo wing sauce

Let’s Get Started: Cooking the Shells to Perfection

Okay, first things first: let’s tackle those jumbo shells. Nobody wants gummy or, even worse, burst pasta! Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of olive oil (this prevents sticking!), and a teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Gently add the shells and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes. We want them al dente, meaning they should still have a little bite. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the oven later. Once they’re cooked, drain them immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

The Heart of the Matter: Crafting the Buffalo Chicken Filling

Now for the fun part: the Buffalo Chicken filling! This is where the magic happens. In a large bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken (I often use a rotisserie chicken to save time – it’s a total lifesaver!), softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic powder. Here’s a pro-tip: Make sure your cream cheese is *really* softened. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling, and nobody wants that. I usually let mine sit out for at least 30 minutes. Also, adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your spice preference. Start with 1/4 cup and add more until you reach your desired heat level. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix until it’s all evenly combined. If you’re a fan of chicken and cream cheese, you might also enjoy our Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: Stuffing the Shells

Alright, it’s assembly time! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor. Now, grab a shell and spoon a generous amount of the Buffalo Chicken filling into it. Don’t be shy! You want each shell to be packed with flavor. Place the stuffed shell in the baking dish, seam-side up. Repeat with the remaining shells and filling. Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, adding 1/4 cup of water to the jar to get every last bit of sauce and then pouring that into the dish. Make sure all the shells are coated in sauce. This will keep them moist and flavorful during baking.

Baking to Golden Brown Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This will heat the filling through and melt the cheese. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during this final baking stage to prevent them from burning. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

The Grand Finale: Garnishing and Serving

Once the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Now for the fun part: garnishing! Sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese (if you’re a fan), chopped green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing or buffalo wing sauce. Get creative and make it your own! Serve these bad boys hot and enjoy the explosion of flavor. They’re perfect as a main course, but they also make a great appetizer for parties. If you love the combination of chicken and a creamy sauce, you may also enjoy our Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ultimate.

Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

• Shells Tearing? If your shells are tearing while cooking, try adding a little more olive oil to the water. This will help prevent them from sticking together and becoming fragile. Also, be gentle when draining and rinsing them.
• Filling Too Dry? If your filling seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to loosen it up.
• Making Ahead? You can assemble the shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Spice Level: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different buffalo wing sauces to find your perfect spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra kick.
• Freezing Instructions: These freeze well for up to 2 months. Assemble as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Blue Cheese Lover’s Delight: Mix crumbled blue cheese into the filling for an extra tangy flavor.
• Spicy Ranch Twist: Use spicy ranch dressing instead of regular ranch for a bolder flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cooked quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Jalapeño Popper Shells: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to the filling for a jalapeño popper-inspired twist.
• Bacon Bliss: Everything is better with bacon! Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.

What to Serve With Your Stuffed Shells

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a complete meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shells.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great choices.
• Garlic Bread: Because, why not?
• Coleslaw: The creamy tang of coleslaw complements the buffalo flavor perfectly.
• If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, you might also enjoy Bang Bang Chicken.

The Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Experience: Why This Recipe Rocks

Let’s be honest: sometimes, dinner needs to be easy, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser. These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells tick all those boxes. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavor, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover chicken. But what really sets this recipe apart is the customization. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, add your favorite toppings, and even swap out the chicken for a vegetarian option. It’s a versatile dish that you can truly make your own. So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a party, give these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells a try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. And remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment, get creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy cooking, my friend!