If you’re craving a dish that combines that perfect spicy kick with creamy, cheesy goodness, let me introduce you to the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe. This dish is a delightful twist on classic stuffed shells, packing tender shredded chicken infused with zesty buffalo sauce, rich cream cheese, and melty mozzarella into jumbo pasta shells. It’s exactly the kind of comfort food you want to dive into after a long day, boasting both bold flavor and an irresistible, velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A glass baking dish filled with large pasta shells arranged in two rows, each shell stuffed with a creamy light orange filling topped with white sauce speckled with green herbs. The shells rest on a smooth, thick layer of orange sauce at the bottom, which closely hugs the pasta. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, with warm lighting highlighting the soft texture and details of the melted cheese and herbs on top photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a vibrant color contrast. From the spicy buffalo sauce to the creamy blend of cheeses, every element works together harmoniously.

12 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for holding a generous amount of the creamy filling without falling apart.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender shredded chicken provides protein and soaks up the buffalo sauce for maximum flavor.
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy tang that wakes up your taste buds.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Brings a smooth, creamy texture that balances the heat beautifully.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly over the shells, creating an inviting golden top.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Ensures the filling stays luxuriously creamy and cohesive.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses an aromatic punch that deepens the overall flavor.
1/4 cup ranch dressing: Cuts through the buffalo heat with its cool, tangy touch.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of green color for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pasta Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions—usually boiling them until al dente. Setting them aside to cool slightly prevents them from sticking together and prepares them to be filled with the creamy stuffing.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir everything vigorously until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture where the cheese and buffalo sauce mingle thoroughly, creating that signature creamy texture and spicy flavor profile.

Step 3: Balance the Heat with Ranch Dressing

Next, gently fold in the ranch dressing to the buffalo chicken mixture. This addition is a game-changer—ranch’s cool and tangy flavor perfectly balances the buffalo’s heat, making the dish accessible to all spice lovers.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Now comes the fun part—carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with a generous scoop of the creamy buffalo chicken mixture. Take your time to avoid tearing the shells, aiming for a neat and full presentation.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the filled shells in a greased baking dish, making sure not to overcrowd them so each shell bakes evenly. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for about 25 minutes. Once done, the cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the filling piping hot throughout.

Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving

After baking, garnish your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe with any extra shredded mozzarella and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. This final step adds a hint of freshness and a beautiful burst of color that makes the dish even more inviting.

How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While the green onions bring a nice touch, feel free to get creative with garnishes like crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of extra ranch dressing, or even some freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant twist. These small additions elevate the plate visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair these stuffed shells with a simple side salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also provide a fresh, healthy contrast to the richness of the shells.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special dinners, arrange the shells on a large serving platter with dips like extra buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side. You can also serve them in mini casserole dishes for individual portions—that makes for a cozy, elegant presentation that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit the next day, making for a great lunch or quick dinner option.

Freezing

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the unbaked stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover with foil, and pop them in the freezer. They keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal whenever you want without fuss.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your stored or frozen shells, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, approximately 20 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, 15 minutes should do the trick to revive that creamy, melty magic.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious shortcut that adds juicy, flavorful chicken without extra cooking time. Just shred it well before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your heat preference, or swap it for a mild wing sauce. Adding extra ranch dressing or cream cheese can also mellow the spice without sacrificing creaminess.

Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?

Definitely. While ricotta, mozzarella, and cream cheese give a wonderful texture, you can experiment with cheddar for sharpness or pepper jack for some extra zing. Just ensure cheeses melt well together.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells, you can easily make this dish gluten-free without altering the taste and texture much.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the shells?

Reheating covered with foil in the oven helps retain moisture and prevents drying. Avoid microwaving as it can sometimes make the shells rubbery or dry.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying comfort of the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe to bring warmth and excitement to your dinner table. It’s a beautiful blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy that makes every bite worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is easy, delicious, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe