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Here is what you need to make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells: - Jumbo pasta shells (20) - Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups) - Buffalo sauce (1 cup, adjust to taste) - Cream cheese (1 cup, softened) - Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) - Blue cheese crumbles (1/2 cup, optional) - Ranch dressing (1/2 cup) - Minced garlic (1 clove) - Salt and pepper (to taste) - Chopped green onions (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to get started on this flavorful dish. The jumbo pasta shells will hold all those tasty fillings. Cooked shredded chicken gives it a rich flavor. Adjust the buffalo sauce for your spice level. Cream cheese helps bind the filling, while cheddar cheese adds a nice melt. Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add a punch of flavor. Ranch dressing balances the heat with creaminess. Minced garlic gives you that extra kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season to your liking. Lastly, chopped green onions provide a fresh touch for garnish. This mix of ingredients makes each bite a delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook 20 jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Drain them and set aside. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 minced garlic clove. - Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. - Take each cooked shell and stuff it generously with the chicken mixture. - Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Drizzle 1/2 cup of ranch dressing over the stuffed shells. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and optional 1/2 cup of blue cheese on top. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. You can adjust the spice level of your stuffed shells by changing the amount of buffalo sauce. If you want more heat, add more sauce. For a milder taste, use less sauce. You can also mix different sauces for unique flavors. For cheese substitutions, try using mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings its own flavor and texture. Mixing cheeses can create a delightful variation. Experiment and find the blend you love best. Serving your stuffed shells on a nice platter adds a special touch. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce around the dish for color. This makes the meal look inviting. You can also add fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side. These crunchy veggies complement the dish well. Chopped green onions make a great garnish. They add color and a bit of freshness. Sprinkle them on top just before serving. To ensure your shells cook perfectly, boil them until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Drain the shells carefully and let them cool slightly before stuffing. For a bubbly cheese topping, cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. This keeps moisture in. Remove the foil later to let the cheese brown nicely. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Enjoy the deliciously gooey result! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder variety. You can also mix in some sour cream to balance the heat. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for a quick and easy meal. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can add unique flavors. Garnish Creatively: Besides green onions, consider adding crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color. {{image_2}} You can make a lighter version of this dish by adding veggies. Try using spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These add flavor and nutrition. Mix the veggies into the buffalo chicken filling. You can also layer them in the baking dish. This makes each bite colorful and fun. You don’t have to stick to chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great too. It saves time and adds flavor. For a leaner choice, try shredded turkey. Both options keep the dish tasty and filling. Just mix them with the buffalo sauce and other ingredients as usual. Hot sauce lovers can have fun experimenting here. You might try different brands or flavors of hot sauce. Each type can change the taste in a cool way. For a smokier flavor, use chipotle sauce. If you like it sweet, try a honey buffalo sauce. Mix it into the filling for a unique twist! To keep your stuffed shells fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your stuffed shells, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat your stuffed shells in the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy the same great flavor and texture! Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead. Just follow the recipe and assemble the shells. Cover them tightly and store in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Then, bake as directed. It makes weeknight dinners easier. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both will add creaminess. You can also use ricotta cheese for a different flavor. Each option changes the taste a little, but they all work well. The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Most sauces have a good kick. You can adjust the heat by adding less sauce or using a milder brand. If you want more spice, add hot sauce to the filling or on top. Great sides for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells include fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks. They add a nice crunch. A simple green salad also pairs well. If you like it spicy, try serving with some blue cheese dressing for dipping. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To reheat, just warm them in the oven or microwave. Enjoy them again without losing flavor! Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a fun and tasty dish. You can easily make them with simple ingredients like jumbo shells, shredded chicken, and cream cheese. We've covered how to prep, fill, and bake these shells, plus some great tips for customizing your meal. Don't forget to try out the veggie and alternate protein options. Finally, remember to store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make mealtime special!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture, topped with cheese and ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and minced garlic. Mix well until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stuff each cooked shell generously with the buffalo chicken mixture and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Once all shells are stuffed, drizzle ranch dressing over the top of the shells.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and blue cheese (if using) on top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve the stuffed shells on a platter and drizzle extra buffalo sauce around the edges for color, or place fresh celery sticks and carrots on the side for a complete Buffalo experience.
Keyword buffalo chicken, pasta, stuffed shells