Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

I recently discovered a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells. This dish combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in jumbo pasta shells.

This comforting meal is perfect for game nights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and green onions adds a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress.

With its unique blend of flavors and ease of preparation, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

Key Takeaways

• Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses.
• Ideal for game nights or special occasions.
• Can be customized with additional ingredients.
• Great for a crowd, serving multiple people.

Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

For a dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are an excellent choice. This creative twist on traditional buffalo chicken recipes combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with the creamy texture of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells.

What Makes This Dish Unique?

The uniqueness of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells lies in their ability to balance spicy and creamy flavors. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce is perfectly offset by the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

The combination of shredded chicken cooked in buffalo sauce, mixed with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, creates a filling that’s both spicy and creamy. This blend is then stuffed into cooked pasta shells, which are baked until golden and bubbly, resulting in a dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells because they’re surprisingly easy to prepare and always a hit with my family and friends. The recipe is versatile, allowing for adjustments to be made based on personal preferences, such as adding homemade blue cheese dressing for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy buffalo sauce in a new and exciting format, making it perfect for those looking for easy dinner ideas that don’t compromise on taste.

Key Ingredients for My Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Creating delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells starts with understanding the role of each key ingredient. The quality of these components directly impacts the flavor, texture, and overall success of the dish.

The Star Player: Shredded Chicken

The foundation of this recipe is tender, shredded chicken. I prefer using cooked, shredded chicken breast for its lean protein and versatility. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the buffalo sauce and cheese, making it the star of the dish.

Adding Spice: Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce is what gives this dish its signature spicy kick. I recommend using a high-quality buffalo sauce like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, as it makes a significant difference in the flavor. The sauce not only adds heat but also enhances the overall taste of the chicken and cheese filling.

Creamy Texture: Ricotta and Mozzarella

To balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce, I use a combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture, while the mozzarella provides a melted, gooey layer on top. Together, they create a rich, creamy filling that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.

In addition to these key ingredients, jumbo pasta shells serve as the perfect vessel for the flavorful filling. By combining these elements, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

The key ingredients work together in harmony to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here’s a summary of the main components:

• Shredded chicken for a tender base
• Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick
• Ricotta and mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture
• Jumbo pasta shells to hold the filling

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

The process of making Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells involves several key steps, from cooking the pasta to baking the final dish. To achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures, follow these detailed instructions carefully.

Cooking the Shells

Start by cooking jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente. I recommend checking the package instructions for the right cooking time, usually around 12-14 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.

Preparing the Filling

While the shells are cooking, prepare the filling by mixing shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce and the cheese is evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of your buffalo chicken recipes, so make sure it’s creamy and spicy.

Assembling the Disks

To assemble the stuffed shells, fill a cooked pasta shell with the chicken mixture and place it in a baking dish. Repeat this process until all shells are filled and arranged in the dish. You can drizzle a bit more buffalo sauce over the shells if you prefer a spicier dish.

Baking to Perfection

Finally, top the stuffed shells with additional mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating those cheesy stuffed shells you love.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells!

Tips for Serving and Storing Leftovers

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells, it’s time to think about serving and storing leftovers. This dish is perfect for family-friendly meals, as it’s easy to customize with additional toppings or sides.

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more enjoyable, consider serving the stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also add some extra buffalo sauce on top for an extra kick.

How to Store for Freshness

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help maintain the quality of the dish and prevent it from drying out.

Reheating Techniques

When reheating, you can use the oven or microwave. Simply cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until hot and bubbly. This makes it a great option for busy days when you need a quick and delicious meal.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells for days to come, making it a great addition to your family-friendly meals.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Chef Crenn
• Total Time: 55
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken meets creamy ricotta and mozzarella in jumbo pasta shells, baked to golden perfection. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking restaurant-quality comfort food with bold flavors perfect for game nights and special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

24 jumbo pasta shells

3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

1 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

15 oz ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente (12-14 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, 3/4 cup buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, blue cheese crumbles, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Spread 1/4 cup buffalo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. Fill each cooked pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish.

6. Drizzle remaining buffalo sauce over the shells. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.

7. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

9. Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions and blue cheese crumbles. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Notes

For less spice, reduce buffalo sauce to 1/2 cup and mix with 1/4 cup ranch dressing.

Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.

Shells can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can be frozen for up to 3 months – bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

 

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• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 40
• Category: Entree
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg