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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 82 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a deliciously spicy and cheesy baked pasta dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and cream cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe combines bold buffalo flavors with smooth cheese and a hint of ranch dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser ideal for weeknight dinners or game day snacks.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Stuffed Shells

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed shells.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are easy to handle.
  3. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until you have a creamy and well-mixed filling.
  4. Add Ranch Dressing: Fold in the ranch dressing gently into the mixture to balance the heat and add creaminess.
  5. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring they are well-stuffed but not overfilled.
  6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing space for even cooking.
  7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with additional shredded cheese or chopped green onions as desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can prepare these stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • These stuffed shells freeze well and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • For a milder flavor, reduce the buffalo sauce or increase the ranch dressing.
  • Use fresh green onions for a bright, fresh garnish.