Are y’all ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise? Because I’m about to show you how to make the most EPIC Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells that will have your taste buds doing the Samba! This recipe is an absolute EXPLOSION of cheesy, spicy, meaty goodness that’s gonna have your friends and family begging for more. Let’s get this party started, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
This dish is the ultimate fusion of two classic comfort foods – the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken and the indulgent, gooey goodness of a classic cheesesteak. The tender pasta shells are stuffed to the brim with a mouthwatering mixture of shredded chicken, melty cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce. And just wait until you try the crispy, golden breadcrumb topping – it takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for impressing guests and satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients
We’re keeping things simple with just a handful of kitchen staples to create this flavor bomb of a dish. You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and panko breadcrumbs. That’s it! Get ready to transform these ordinary ingredients into something truly LEGENDARY.
- 12 jumbo pasta shells – the perfect vessel for all that cheesy, spicy goodness
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – a time-saving shortcut that still delivers amazing flavor
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened – the creamy base that holds everything together
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – a dynamic duo of melty, gooey cheeses
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus more for drizzling – the star of the show that brings the heat
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing – the cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – the crispy, golden topping that takes this dish to new heights
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Feel free to use ground beef or Italian sausage instead of chicken (just brown it first before mixing in)
- Cheese: Swap in pepper jack or provolone for a little extra kick
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Let’s get this party started, y’all! This dish may look impressive, but I promise it’s easy to whip up in no time.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until they’re al dente. While those are cooking, go ahead and shred that rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now for the fun part – stuffing those shells! Carefully spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into each shell, making sure to really pack it in there. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish and get ready for the grand finale.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Sprinkle the top of the shells with a generous coating of panko breadcrumbs, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Warning: The aroma alone is gonna have your mouth watering!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, drizzle the tops of the shells with a little extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for that extra flavor punch. Garnish with some chopped green onions or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Time to dig in, my friends!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat
- Blue Cheese Bliss: Crumble some blue cheese over the top for a tangy twist
- Feed a Crowd: Simply double the recipe and bake in a larger casserole dish
- Mix It Up: Try using ground beef or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different take on the classic cheesesteak
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze the baked shells for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to indulge.
Make-Ahead: The uncooked, stuffed shells can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Nutrition Information
Indulge without the guilt – these stuffed shells pack a serious flavor punch while still being relatively healthy. Each serving contains around 350 calories, 25g of protein, and 25g of carbs. The combination of lean chicken, creamy cheeses, and fiber-rich pasta makes this dish a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! The uncooked, stuffed shells can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these shells! Bake them first, then let them cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to get creative with the cheese fillings! Pepper jack, provolone, and even crumbled blue cheese would all be delicious alternatives to the cheddar and mozzarella.
Is this recipe spicy?
The buffalo sauce does give these stuffed shells a nice kick of heat, but you can control the level of spice by adjusting the amount of sauce used. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
For the crispiest, most golden-brown breadcrumb topping, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs and toast them lightly in a skillet with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling over the shells.
Try These Next
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese Bombs
- Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells are a delicious twist on classic cheesesteaks, featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with buffalo chicken, cream cheese, and melted cheese. Perfect for game day or a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Fill each jumbo pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, placing them in a greased baking dish as you go.
4. Top the filled shells with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🧀 CHEESE AVALANCHE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg