Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells – A Quick & Easy Dinner Delight! 🍽️🔥🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, then Buffalo Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice. This delicious recipe captures the fiery tang of Buffalo chicken with creamy cheese stuffed inside tender pasta shells, making it an ideal Dinner Ideas For Parties or a cozy family meal. Whether you’re craving Meals With Buffalo Chicken or want a quick Dinner Recipes Stuffed Shells, this dish is a surefire hit. Plus, it’s a fantastic Meal To Impress Boyfriend or a versatile option for leftovers. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe makes for Fall Food Easy comfort food that everyone loves.
2. Ingredients for Buffalo Stuffed Shells
- 20 large jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or use rotisserie chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup hot buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Boil the Pasta Shells
Cook the large pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure to prevent sticking by tossing with a little olive oil.
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese (if using), hot buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a rich and flavorful stuffing.
4. Assembling the Buffalo Stuffed Shells
Stuff the Pasta Shells
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell generously with the buffalo chicken mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are packed tightly but gently so the filling stays inside.
Top with Cheese and Sauces
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells and drizzle extra buffalo sauce if you like it spicy. Cover the dish with foil and get ready for baking.
5. Baking and Serving Instructions
Bake the Stuffed Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Buffalo Stuffed Shells covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get a golden cheese topping. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving for added freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, homemade garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete Dinner No Chicken alternative, consider adding plant-based fillings or vegan cheeses.
6. Storage and Leftovers Tips
Leftover Meals That Have Leftovers such as Buffalo Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power until heated through or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. For best results, keep the shell fillings separate from the toppings until ready to reheat.
7. Variations and Tips
- Use Crockpot Butter Chicken for a different flavor profile or prep ahead with slow cooker recipes.
- To make this dish even easier, consider using pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken, saving time and effort.
- For added crunch, sprinkle crushed blue corn chips or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
8. Additional Serving Suggestions
This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is versatile and perfect for Dinner Ideas For Parties. Serve with a cold beverage like a craft beer or a refreshing soda. Looking to wow your guests? Pair the dish with a vibrant Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast for crispy sides or appetizers. Perfect for Fall Food Easy gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Buffalo Stuffed Shells are an unforgettable combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors wrapped into a pasta dish that everybody loves. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday dinner or impressing guests at your next party, this recipe delivers both simplicity and wow factor. Plus, it can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences with available substitutions. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your Dinner Recipes Stuffed Shells collection. For more creative Meals To Impress Boyfriend, explore our extensive recipe index!
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Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells – A Quick & Easy Dinner Delight!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Includes Meat
Description
Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta shells, making a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner. Ideal for parties, family meals, or cozy nights, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with a fiery twist and cheesy goodness that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 20 large jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup hot buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Cook the large pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese (if using), buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell generously with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, packed tightly but gently.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the shells and drizzle extra buffalo sauce if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Remove foil, bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese, then garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Adding crushed blue corn chips or breadcrumbs on top adds a crispy texture.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
