Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This bold and flavorful baked dish is perfect for game day or a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to prepare ahead, customizable in spice level and cheese variety, and delivers a rich, cheesy, and spicy experience in every bite.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta shells)
Pasta:
Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (mild, medium or hot to taste)
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Topping and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- Prepare the Pasta Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly for easier handling during stuffing.
- Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, melted butter, and a few spoonfuls of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy, spicy mixture.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the buffalo chicken mixture without tearing them. Place the stuffed shells evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or chives on top before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dips.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta shells; al dente prevents mushiness after baking.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Increase cheese in filling and on top for a richer dish.
- Add a splash of sour cream to the filling for more creaminess.
- Balance the heat of buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prepare and freeze stuffed shells before baking for convenient meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 3 stuffed shells)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, stuffed shells, buffalo sauce, creamy, cheesy, baked pasta, game day recipe, family dinner, spicy chicken