Craving a dish that combines creamy, saucy, and spicy all in one? Say hello to Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells! This delightful recipe features tender pasta shells filled to the brim with a mouthwatering mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and tangy buffalo sauce, all smothered in cheese. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a fun family dinner—everyone will be fighting over the last shell! Fun fact: this recipe has grown in popularity because it offers a creative twist on traditional buffalo chicken wings, allowing you to enjoy those bold flavors in a completely different way. With a quick preparation time of under 30 minutes, you can whip up this dish even on the busiest weeknights. If you enjoyed our Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake, you’ll love these cheesy stuffed shells! So get your ingredients ready because your taste buds are in for a treat!
What are Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?
Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly are Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?” Great question! Imagine giant pasta shells filled with a delicious blend of shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese. It’s kind of like a cozy hug from your favorite comfort food, don’t you think? This dish gets its vibrant name from its spicy flavor profile, reminiscent of buffalo wings, but presented in an entirely new way. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cheesy shells are guaranteed to steal hearts! If you’re curious about bringing some excitement to your dinner plate, you have to give these a try!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are special for several reasons. First and foremost, the main highlight is the explosion of flavors that each bite offers. The rich, creamy filling made with cream cheese and chicken, paired with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, creates an irresistible dish that you’ll want to make over and over again. Secondly, making these stuffed shells at home is much more cost-effective than ordering out, leaving your wallet happy without sacrificing flavor. Lastly, the toppings! Melted cheese on top enhances the dish brilliantly, making it gooey and delicious. If you’re a fan of classic lasagna, this recipe raises the bar and reminds us how fun it can be to switch up traditional dishes. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:
Quick Overview
Making Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells is simpler than you might think! With just a handful of ingredients and a preparation time of around 30 minutes, this dish is not only quick but incredibly satisfying. The combination of the creamy filling, spicy buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create a crowd-pleaser that friends and family will adore.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the shells: Spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Be sure to fill them up nicely!
- Assemble the dish: Spread 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, then drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions, and serve warm.
What to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells With:
Looking for complementary dishes to serve alongside your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells? A crisp, refreshing salad topped with vinaigrette makes for a wonderful contrast to the rich flavors of the shells. You could also consider pairing them with homemade garlic bread for a bit of crunch. For beverages, a tall glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer would balance the spicy flavors beautifully. The possibilities are endless!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:
- Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand to save time.
- Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference. If you’re unsure, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix up the cheese! Mozzarella and pepper jack cheese can add a delicious twist to the flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed shells are great for meal prep! Assemble them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be wishful thinking), you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 3-5 minutes. If you want to freeze them, ensure they are stored in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells, your mealtime just got a whole lot tastier! Get in the kitchen and enjoy this delicious dish that’s sure to please. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- Spread 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top.
- Drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions, and serve warm.
Leave a Reply