Name: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe - Creamy u0026amp; Easy Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus extra for drizzling; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional for garnish); 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the baking dish; Salt and pepper to taste

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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

There’s something undeniably satisfying about buffalo chicken stuffed shells. This dish takes tender pasta shells and fills them with a creamy, spicy mixture of shredded chicken, cheeses, and classic buffalo sauce. Baked to perfection, each bite delivers a harmonious balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy indulgence that makes it irresistible for dinner, game-day gatherings, or special occasions.

More Dinner Ideas

What sets this buffalo chicken stuffed shells apart is its versatility. The creamy, slightly tangy buffalo filling pairs beautifully with the pasta shells, and the baked exterior gives a comforting, hearty texture that’s universally appealing. Fans of traditional Buffalo Stuffed Shells love it because it captures the essence of buffalo chicken dip in a more substantial, dinner-ready form. Its spicy-smooth flavor combination makes it a favorite among kids and adults alike, turning a simple dinner into a flavorful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for multiple reasons that go beyond its spicy, cheesy taste.

Easy yet impressive: While it looks restaurant-worthy, this dish is straightforward to prepare, even for home cooks. With step-by-step guidance, you can achieve perfectly cooked shells and a creamy, flavorful filling.
Family-friendly flavor: The heat from buffalo sauce is balanced by creamy cheeses, making it enjoyable for adults while remaining approachable for kids. You can always adjust spice levels to your taste.
Flexible for meal prep: These stuffed shells reheat beautifully, making them a reliable option for busy weeknights or batch cooking.
Customizable: You can swap cheeses, add vegetables, or adjust the buffalo sauce to suit personal preferences without losing the signature flavor.
Perfect for entertaining: Its eye-catching presentation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to dish for dinner parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

By combining ease, flavor, and visual appeal, this recipe turns dinner into a special occasion without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 stuffed shells

This timing assumes the chicken is pre-cooked (rotisserie chicken works beautifully) and the pasta shells are ready for filling.

Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus extra for drizzling
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Salt and pepper to taste

Substitution Notes:

Cheese: Swap mozzarella or cheddar with pepper jack, provolone, or a dairy-free alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: Use mild, medium, or hot based on spice preference.
Dressing: Blue cheese dressing can replace ranch for tangier flavor.
Chicken: Ground chicken or turkey can replace shredded chicken for different texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Lightly drizzle a little olive oil and toss to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or spoon until the filling is creamy and well-blended. This is the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells, so ensure the cheese and sauce are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. This ensures the shells won’t stick and helps the edges crisp slightly while baking.

Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture. Place the stuffed shells side by side in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded. Even spacing helps the shells heat evenly and prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the shells before serving if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions or fresh parsley over the baked shells for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm. This step enhances both presentation and flavor, making your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells even more inviting.

How to Serve

For an elevated presentation, arrange the stuffed shells neatly on a platter and drizzle lightly with additional buffalo sauce. Pair them with a side of crisp Chicken Shells Stuffed salad, roasted vegetables, or Chicken Stuffed Shells Big Stuffed Shells Recipes inspired potato wedges. A simple garlic bread or Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Shells dip can complement the meal for a full dinner experience.

These shells also work well as part of a buffet or potluck table. Let guests drizzle extra dressing or hot sauce to customize their spice level. For a family dinner, serve directly from the baking dish to retain warmth and cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

Ensure chicken is shredded finely to blend well with the creamy buffalo filling.
Avoid overfilling shells to prevent the filling from spilling during baking.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free mixture.
Cook pasta shells al dente as they continue to bake and absorb flavors.
Cover with foil for most of the bake time to retain moisture and prevent cheese from drying out.

Recipe Variations

Buffalo Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Add a cup of finely chopped fresh spinach to the buffalo chicken filling. The spinach not only boosts nutrition but also adds a vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and spicy sauce. This variation works well with both mozzarella and cheddar, making the dish more wholesome without compromising flavor.
Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Stuffed Shells
Incorporate 4-5 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon into the filling for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor. The bacon pairs perfectly with the heat of the buffalo sauce and the richness of the cheeses, creating a decadent version that’s ideal for special dinners or gatherings.
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Mix a quarter cup of Alfredo sauce into the filling along with the buffalo sauce and cheeses. This adds a silky creaminess that balances the spice while keeping the dish indulgent. It’s perfect for fans of Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells who prefer a richer, more luxurious texture.
Cheesy Jalapeño Buffalo Shells
For a spicy kick, add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of red chili flakes into the filling. This variation enhances the heat without overpowering the cheesy buffalo flavor. Top with extra shredded cheese before baking for a melty, spicy crust.
Buffalo Chicken and Roasted Vegetable Shells
Include roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the filling. Roasting the vegetables first intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a hearty texture that complements the creamy buffalo chicken. This version works well for incorporating more veggies while keeping it a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Vegan or Plant-Based Buffalo Stuffed Shells
Substitute shredded chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese shreds. Add nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for extra flavor. This version replicates the heat and creaminess of traditional Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells while being fully vegan.
Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Drizzle Shells
Instead of mixing ranch dressing into the filling, drizzle it over the baked shells just before serving. This creates a tangy, creamy top layer that contrasts with the spicy filling, giving a restaurant-style presentation.
Mini Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Use medium pasta shells instead of jumbo ones for bite-sized versions. This variation is perfect for appetizers, parties, or potlucks. You can serve them on a platter with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftover shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool baked shells completely, then freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Assembly Tip: For best results, bake immediately after stuffing if frozen pre-baked shells.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 870mg

Values may vary based on cheese type, buffalo sauce brand, and portion size.

Final Words

Making buffalo chicken stuffed shells at home allows you to enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold flavor without the hassle of dining out. The combination of tender pasta, creamy buffalo filling, and melty cheese creates a dinner experience that’s rich, satisfying, and universally loved. Preparing this dish yourself means you control the heat, the quality of ingredients, and the balance of flavors, resulting in a homemade meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

This recipe is versatile and approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining friends. By customizing fillings, sauces, or cheeses, you can create a signature version that caters to your family’s preferences. The dish also pairs beautifully with sides like crisp salads, roasted vegetables, or Dinner Recipes Buffalo Chicken inspired potato dishes, making it a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells encourages creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Each step from perfectly cooking the pasta to achieving a creamy, flavorful filling teaches subtle culinary techniques that can be applied to other Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe or Stuffed Recipes. Once mastered, this dish becomes a reliable, delicious go-to recipe for any occasion, impressing both family and guests while bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table.

FAQ’s

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Shred it finely for even filling and flavor distribution.

Absolutely. Stuff the shells and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Yes, adjust buffalo sauce quantity or use mild, medium, or hot varieties based on preference.

Yes, freeze either pre-baked or post-baked shells in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan is ideal for creamy texture and flavor.

Yes, plant-based chicken alternatives and dairy-free cheese can be used for a vegan version of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells.