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Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

4.8 from 6 reviews

This Irresistible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture, topped with melted cheeses and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a savory, comforting dish perfect for game days, family dinners, or any craving for a flavorful twist on classic stuffed shells.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Shells

  • 20 large jumbo pasta shells

Filling

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup hot buffalo sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

Topping and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Other

  • Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing and to toss pasta

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta shells: Boil large pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese (if using), hot buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
  3. Stuff shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the buffalo chicken mixture, making sure to fill them fully for maximum flavor.
  4. Arrange in baking dish: Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the stuffed shells snugly side by side in the dish, packing them gently but tightly to prevent shifting during baking.
  5. Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. Optionally, drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for more heat and flavor.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Brown cheese and garnish: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown and crisp the cheddar cheese topping. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
  • Blue cheese is optional but adds authentic buffalo flavor; you can omit if sensitive to strong cheeses.
  • To control spice level, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild version.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly without lumps.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken shells, stuffed pasta shells, creamy buffalo chicken recipe, baked buffalo chicken, game day recipes