Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are easy to make and taste delicious. They bring together the spicy flavor of buffalo chicken with the creaminess of cheese, making a great comfort food for any day.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a potluck. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

How To Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 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

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined and creamy.
4. Fold in ranch dressing to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
5. Gently fill each cooked jumbo shell with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish without overcrowding.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions before serving.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat.

How To Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Serve these stuffed shells hot right out of the oven. You can pair them with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. They are also great to take to gatherings as a tasty dish.

How To Store Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

To store the leftover stuffed shells, let them cool and then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips To Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

• Make sure to not overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente to hold the filling well.
• You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for a milder or spicier flavor.
• Consider adding vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, into the filling for extra nutrition.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are not only tasty but also packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles. The dish includes some healthy ingredients, like green onions, which add vitamins and minerals. While it has some fat from the cheese, it can be a balanced meal when served with vegetables.

Variation

You can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting shredded chicken with cooked lentils or finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use a plant-based cream cheese for a vegan option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but jumbo shells hold the filling nicely.

2. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just cover them tightly and store them for up to 3 months.

3. What can I serve with Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
They go well with a side salad, garlic bread, or even some crispy veggies.