Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine two popular comfort foods into one delicious dish. This recipe takes the classic stuffed pasta and fills it with a spicy and creamy buffalo chicken mixture. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love a good buffalo chicken dish, then Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a must-try! They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe lets you enjoy the taste of buffalo chicken in a new and exciting way.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells is simple and straightforward. Let’s go through the ingredients and directions.
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Buffalo sauce
- Cream cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set them aside.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and sliced green onions on top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are best served hot right out of the oven. You can enjoy them as a main dish alongside a simple salad or some garlic bread. They also make for great leftovers!
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
To store leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze them, but make sure to wrap them tightly. Frozen stuffed shells can be reheated later in the oven.
Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they don’t become too soft when baking.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture.
- If you like extra creaminess, mix in a bit more cream cheese.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different cheeses or adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the filling mix. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal!
FAQs
1. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake them.
2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta shells, low-fat cream cheese, and a lighter ranch dressing.
3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Most kids love the taste of buffalo chicken. You can adjust the buffalo sauce to make it milder if necessary.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine classic stuffed pasta with a spicy and creamy buffalo chicken mixture, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 Jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups Cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Green onions, sliced
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and sliced green onions on top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Cook pasta shells al dente to avoid them becoming too soft when baking. Adjust buffalo sauce for spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
