Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, comforting textures, and a spicy kick that will have you coming back for more, then you must try these Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a tantalizing buffalo sauce, all topped with melty cheddar and fresh herbs. It’s a joyful twist on classic comfort food that balances creamy, spicy, and cheesy elements perfectly, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells lies in a handful of simple but powerful ingredients. Each item plays a key role in bringing creamy richness, zesty heat, and irresistible texture to the dish, ensuring every bite is pure delight.

• 20 large jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel to hold the creamy buffalo chicken filling without falling apart.
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein and a meaty base for the filling; rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings that dreamy, creamy texture that ties the filling together beautifully.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey meltiness and mild cheesiness that balances the buffalo heat.
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but recommended): Adds sharp, tangy notes for authentic buffalo flavor complexity.
• ½ cup hot buffalo sauce: The star ingredient that delivers that signature spicy, tangy punch everyone loves.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the filling without overpowering.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma to round out the seasoning.
• ½ tsp black pepper: A touch of heat and earthiness to complement the spices.
• ¼ tsp salt: Essential to highlight all the flavors.
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions: Freshness and slight bite for garnish and contrast.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a golden, flavorful crust on top and extra cheesy goodness.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
• Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.

How to Make Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente—meaning tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain them carefully and toss in a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because you want the shells sturdy enough to hold that creamy filling without falling apart when baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese (if you’re using it), buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s a luscious, creamy mixture with the perfect balance of spicy heat and cheesy richness. This filling is what truly makes the Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells so special.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture. Be sure to pack the filling in so that each shell bursts with flavor. This is a fun step that lets you get hands-on and creates those inviting stuffed shells ready for baking.

Step 4: Arrange and Top

Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, arranging them snugly but with care so they don’t burst open. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust. If you want an extra spicy kick, drizzle some more buffalo sauce on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the filling to heat through and the flavors to meld wonderfully. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the cheddar cheese brown and crisp up slightly, giving you that beautiful golden finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley across the top. These touches bring a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the rich, creamy filling perfectly. Now your Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are ready to wow!

How to Serve Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

When plating these stuffed shells, fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and parsley enhance both appearance and flavor. You might also consider adding a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to temper the heat if desired. The contrast of creamy and fresh helps balance the bold buffalo notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or celery sticks with a bit of ranch dip. The light, crunchy veggies help refresh the palate and keep the meal feeling balanced despite the rich, creamy main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gathering, arrange the shells neatly on a large platter and garnish with extra herbs and cheese. You could serve individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a charming personal touch. The vibrant orange buffalo sauce makes for a striking centerpiece, so presentation is part of the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. They hold up beautifully, and the flavors often deepen after resting overnight.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these ahead of time for later, freeze them in a covered, freezer-safe dish before baking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat the stuffed shells, place them in a covered baking dish to prevent drying out, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, but baking helps maintain that delightful cheesy texture.

FAQs

Can I make these shells vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for cooked, seasoned vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, and use a bit more cheese to keep that creamy texture. The buffalo sauce still provides plenty of flavor to make it delicious.

Is blue cheese necessary in the recipe?

Blue cheese is optional but highly recommended since it delivers that classic buffalo wing tang that elevates the dish. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with extra mozzarella for a milder flavor.

What kind of buffalo sauce is best?

A good-quality hot buffalo sauce with a nice balance of vinegar and heat works best. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference, and adding more on top before baking amps up the kick.

Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?

Jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing and holding the filling, so they’re recommended. If you don’t have jumbo shells, large manicotti tubes could work as an alternative, but smaller pasta shapes won’t hold the filling well.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. This recipe offers a nice medium heat that can be increased or toned down easily by adjusting the sauce quantities.

Final Thoughts

Making these Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells is like creating a warm hug in pasta form. With their creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness, they bring so much joy to the dinner table and impress everyone lucky enough to taste them. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving something delicious for yourself, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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