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Introduction

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup! These Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine the tangy, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with rich, creamy cheese sauce all nestled in tender jumbo pasta shells. This crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for game day parties, potluck dinners, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is how it transforms classic buffalo chicken dip into a hearty, family-friendly meal. Each shell is packed with seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and just the right amount of buffalo sauce heat, then topped with melted mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and with that perfect buffalo wing kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.

History / Background

Buffalo chicken has been an American favorite since the iconic buffalo wing was invented at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York in 1964. The combination of tangy hot sauce, butter, and chicken quickly became a staple at sports bars and family gatherings across the country. This stuffed shells recipe pays homage to those classic flavors while transforming them into a hearty, shareable casserole.

The genius of stuffed shells lies in their Italian-American heritage – taking the concept of pasta filled with cheese and elevating it with bold, American flavors. This fusion approach has become increasingly popular as home cooks seek to combine familiar comfort foods in new, exciting ways. Our Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells represent the perfect marriage of Italian technique and American flavor innovation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep – assemble ahead and bake when ready
Crowd Pleaser: Feeds 6-8 people, making it ideal for parties and family gatherings
Freezer Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze one for busy weeknights
Kid-Approved: Creamy, cheesy texture with just enough spice to be exciting
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, and cheese
Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spice to suit your family’s preferences

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

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Author: Natalie Edwards
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

Ingredient Notes

Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and hold their shape well during baking. If unavailable, use large rigatoni or manicotti tubes.
Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor. You can substitute with cooked chicken breast or thighs, or even leftover turkey.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Use your favorite brand – Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any buffalo sauce works. Adjust quantity based on your heat preference.
Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy base that balances the spicy buffalo sauce. Must be softened for easy mixing.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use freshly shredded for best melting. Pre-shredded works but won’t melt as smoothly.
Ranch Dressing: Adds cooling flavor and extra creaminess. Greek yogurt can substitute for a lighter option.
Green Onions: Provide fresh flavor and color contrast. Chives or regular onions can substitute.

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, 1 cup mozzarella, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking constantly. Add remaining buffalo sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Assemble the dish: Spread half the buffalo cream sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons per shell) and arrange in the dish.
Add toppings: Drizzle remaining sauce over the shells. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and green onions before serving.

Notes

Tips & Variations

Milder Version: Reduce buffalo sauce by half and add more ranch dressing or cream cheese for a kid-friendly option.
Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use hot buffalo sauce instead of mild.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with seasoned cauliflower florets or plant-based chicken substitute.
Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Different Proteins: Try shredded pork, turkey, or even cooked shrimp for variety.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with pepper jack, blue cheese crumbles, or sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Make it Lighter: Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: Shells should be al dente to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
Not draining chicken properly: Excess moisture will make the filling watery and prevent proper melting.
Overstuffing shells: Too much filling will cause shells to break and make the dish messy.
Skipping the sauce base: The bottom layer of sauce prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
Not covering while baking: This can cause the cheese to brown too quickly before the inside is heated through.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day!
Freezer: Assemble completely but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even heating.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh Sides: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or fresh coleslaw to balance the richness.
Bread Options: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Veggie Sides: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad add freshness and color.
Beverages: Cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon complement the spicy flavors.
Game Day Spread: Perfect alongside chicken wings, potato skins, and other party favorites.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3-4 shells)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1,180mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 115mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use uncooked chicken for this recipe?
A: No, the chicken needs to be fully cooked before assembling. Rotisserie chicken is perfect, or cook chicken breasts/thighs and shred them.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It has a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust by using more or less buffalo sauce, or choosing mild vs. hot varieties.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free certified.

Q: What if I can’t find jumbo shells?
A: You can use large rigatoni, manicotti tubes, or even make this as a regular casserole by layering the ingredients with regular pasta shapes.

Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A: The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown on top, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The edges should be slightly bubbling.

Conclusion

These Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors that will have your family asking for seconds! They’re ideal for busy weeknights, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead. The creamy, cheesy filling with just the right amount of buffalo kick makes this dish irresistible.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat your family to something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Try making these tonight and let me know in the comments how they turned out – I’d love to hear about any creative variations you tried!

Bufzi Kitchen