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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed shells.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Ranch Dressing: Fold in the ranch dressing gently into the mixture to balance the heat and add creaminess.
- Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring they are well-stuffed but not overfilled.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
