When I first whipped up these The Best Buffalo Stuffed Shells Recipe, it felt like I had stumbled upon pure culinary magic. Each jumbo shell was packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, perfectly balanced with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce.
And don’t even get me started on how easy it was to make! You’ll find that these shells are as much a show-stopper for special occasions as they are a reliable crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Stuffed Shells
Here are the key players in this delicious recipe. Each one serves an important role in creating that unbeatable flavor and texture.
- 12 jumbo pasta shells: These are the perfect vessel to hold all that flavorful filling.
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Tender and flavorful, this is an easy shortcut for a quick dinner.
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning (1 oz): Adds that herby, tangy flavor to complement the buffalo sauce.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star ingredient! Go for your favorite brand.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, rich base for the filling.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Cheese makes everything better; save half for topping.
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy base.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Drizzled on top for extra creaminess.
- 1/4 cup additional buffalo sauce: For that extra kick when serving.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people but can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.
Variations for Your Buffalo Stuffed Shells
Feel free to jazz up this recipe with different ingredients to suit your preferences. It’s so versatile!
- Switch out the protein: Try shredded turkey, ground beef, or even a plant-based “chicken” alternative.
- Experiment with cheese: Blue cheese crumbles or Monterey Jack can add a fun twist.
- Adjust the heat: Use mild wing sauce or a mix of hot and mild to control the spice level.
Cooking Time for Buffalo Stuffed Shells
This recipe comes together quickly, making it great for busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the essential equipment you’ll want to have on hand for this recipe.
- Large pot: To cook your pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender.
- Mixing bowl: For blending the creamy, cheesy filling into a dreamy consistency.
- Baking dish: Arrange the shells and keep them snug while baking.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F for that bubbly, golden-brown finish.
How to Make Buffalo Stuffed Shells?
Making these stuffed shells is a breeze! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that guarantees success.
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook them until they’re just al dente. Overcooking can make them harder to handle, so keep an eye on the time. Once done, drain the shells and lay them out on a baking sheet to cool, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Prepare the Filling
While the pasta is cooling, shred the rotisserie chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture packed with flavor.
Stuff the Shells
Carefully open each pasta shell and spoon the creamy chicken filling inside. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff. Place the shells, seam-side up, into a greased baking dish. Arrange them close enough to stay upright, but avoid overlapping.
Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and white cheddar over the stuffed shells. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown on top. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!
Garnish and Serve
Once done baking, drizzle ranch dressing and extra buffalo sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color, and serve hot. This is comfort food at its finest!
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Stuffed Shells
From my own experience, here are some handy tips to make sure your dish turns out flawless:
- Grate your cheese fresh: It melts better than pre-shredded ones, which often contain anti-clumping agents.
- Don’t skip the sauce: Be generous with the buffalo sauce for that signature flavor in every bite.
- Prep the filling ahead: Mix the filling earlier in the day to save time during dinner prep.
- Avoid overfilling: Too much filling can cause the shells to tear.
How to Serve Buffalo Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells are as versatile in presentation as they are delicious!
- Main course: Pair them with a fresh garden salad or crispy roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Party favorite: Serve them on a platter as an appetizer for game nights or potlucks.
- Family-style dinner: Add garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing combo.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of nutritional values per serving.
- Calories: 446
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 31g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning to prep in advance? No problem!
Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells up to the baking step. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bake directly from the fridge when ready.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish up to the baking step and tightly wrap the pan. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons to love this dish. Here are just a few!
- Super easy to make: Rotisserie chicken and ranch seasoning make this recipe delightfully simple.
- Customizable: Whether it’s cheese, spice level, or proteins, it adapts to your preferences.
- Meal prep-friendly: Freeze or refrigerate it for a quick, no-stress meal anytime.
- Crowd-pleaser: You’ll impress everyone with this creamy, spicy, cheesy masterpiece!
- Perfect flavor combo: Creamy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy all in one bite? Yes, please!
Buffalo stuffed shells truly have it all! They’re comforting, packed with flavor, and impressively easy to whip up. Give them a try, and you’ll see why it’s one of my all-time favorite recipes!
The Best Buffalo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning 1 oz
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup for filling, ½ cup for topping
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup ranch dressing for topping
- ¼ cup additional buffalo sauce for topping
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook them until they’re just al dente. Overcooking can make them harder to handle, so keep an eye on the time. Once done, drain the shells and lay them out on a baking sheet to cool, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- While the pasta is cooling, shred the rotisserie chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture packed with flavor.
- Carefully open each pasta shell and spoon the creamy chicken filling inside. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff. Place the shells, seam-side up, into a greased baking dish. Arrange them close enough to stay upright, but avoid overlapping.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and white cheddar over the stuffed shells. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown on top. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!
- Once done baking, drizzle ranch dressing and extra buffalo sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color, and serve hot. This is comfort food at its finest!
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better meltability.
- Adjust the spice level by using mild buffalo sauce or adding extra ranch dressing.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time for quicker assembly.
