Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Introduction:
Craving a spicy, cheesy, and comforting dinner that’s easy to make on a busy weeknight? This buffalo chicken stuffed shells recipe brings all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknights, cozy dinners, or even meal prep, this recipe combines tender jumbo pasta shells, shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella with a kick of buffalo sauce.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Timing Recipe:
- Prep ingredients: 15 min
- Preheat oven: 5 min
- Stuff pasta shells: 10 min
- Bake: 20–25 min (until cheese is melted and bubbly)
- Rest before serving: 5 min
Total time: ~55 min
Timing recipe:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep ingredients (cook chicken, shred, mix filling, boil pasta shells) | 15 min |
| Preheat oven | 5 min |
| Stuff pasta shells with chicken mixture | 10 min |
| Bake in oven | 20–25 min (until cheese is melted and bubbly) |
| Rest before serving | 5 min |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain the shells, then lightly coat them with a splash of olive oil so they don’t stick together.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, buffalo sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the shells: Carefully fill each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spread ½ cup of buffalo sauce or marinara in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer. Spoon remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the shells rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra buffalo sauce if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook just until al dente to prevent tearing when stuffing.
- Adjust heat: Add more buffalo sauce if you like it spicy, or reduce for a milder flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Stuffed shells recipe with meat: Swap chicken for ground beef or turkey for a different twist.
- Cheesy extra: Add cream cheese to the filling for an even creamier texture.
- Buffalo ranch: Drizzle ranch over the top before serving to balance the spice.
- Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen.
- Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the dish is fully heated through.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I use a different meat?
A: Yes! Try ground beef or turkey for a hearty alternative to chicken.
Q: How spicy are buffalo chicken stuffed shells?
A: The spice depends on your buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
Conclusion
These buffalo chicken stuffed shells are creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Pair them with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and tell us how your family loved it! Don’t forget to share it on social media and check out our other chicken stuffed shells recipes for more delicious dinner ideas.