Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with these Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells! This irresistible dish combines the comforting richness of mac and cheese with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce and the savory crunch of bacon. It’s a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
A Brief History of Buffalo Chicken Dishes
The love affair with buffalo-flavored dishes began in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The owner’s son, Dominic Bellissimo, is credited with accidentally creating the now-iconic buffalo chicken wings. Since then, the bold and tangy flavor profile has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, inspiring countless variations and renditions.
Stuffed shells, on the other hand, have been a beloved Italian-American comfort food for generations. By combining these two culinary icons, we’ve created a truly unique and irresistible dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something both comforting and indulgent.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for our creamy, cheesy, and spicy filling.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The base of our stuffing, providing a rich and creamy foundation.
- Shredded Chicken: For added protein and texture, elevating this dish to a complete meal.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star ingredient that adds that signature bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch and savory essence.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: For that gooey, melty, and cheesy topping.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each of the jumbo pasta shells, filling them up generously.
- Arrange and Top: Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells are out of the oven, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
To ensure your Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells turn out absolutely delicious, here are a few helpful tips:
- Cook the Pasta Shells Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the jumbo pasta shells, as they will continue to soften in the oven. Aim for a slight bite to the texture.
- Make the Filling Flavorful: Taste the mac and cheese mixture before stuffing the shells and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want the flavors to be bold and balanced.
- Prevent Shell Breakage: Gently handle the cooked shells when stuffing them to avoid them cracking or breaking. You can also stuff them while they’re still warm, as they’ll be more pliable.
- Achieve the Perfect Cheese Melt: Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking helps the cheese melt evenly. Removing the foil at the end allows the top to get that irresistible golden-brown crust.
Pairing Suggestions
These Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells are a meal in themselves, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages:
- Side Dishes: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would make excellent accompaniments to this rich and indulgent dish.
- Beverages: For a classic pairing, serve the stuffed shells with a crisp, cold beer. Alternatively, a refreshing glass of white wine or a creamy, fizzy root beer would also complement the flavors wonderfully.
- Appetizers: To kick off the meal, consider serving buffalo chicken dip, celery sticks with ranch dressing, or crispy buffalo cauliflower bites.
- Dessert: End the meal on a sweet note with a decadent chocolate lava cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a slice of creamy cheesecake.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells leftover, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the stuffed shells. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen shells, bake for 30-40 minutes, or until completely warmed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What ingredients do I need to make Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells?
To make Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells, you will need the following ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Macaroni pasta
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Buffalo sauce
- Cream cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Optional toppings: additional bacon, green onions, and extra cheese for baking
FAQ 2: How do I cook the pasta shells for the stuffed shells?
To cook the pasta shells, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool before stuffing.
FAQ 3: Can I make Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells ahead of time. Prepare the stuffed shells as instructed, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to adjust the baking time if they are coming straight from the refrigerator.
FAQ 4: What can I serve with Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells?
Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, you can also serve them with a side of buffalo wings or celery sticks with ranch dressing for dipping.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Conclusion
Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells are a delightful fusion of comfort food classics that are sure to leave you craving more. With their irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and get ready to indulge in this ultimate comfort food masterpiece!
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Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells are a delightful fusion of comfort food classics that are sure to leave you craving more. With their irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
12 Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for our creamy, cheesy, and spicy filling.
2 cups Macaroni and Cheese: The base of our stuffing, providing a rich and creamy foundation.
1 cup Shredded Chicken: For added protein and texture, elevating this dish to a complete meal.
1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce: The star ingredient that adds that signature bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
6 slices Bacon, crumbled: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch and savory essence.
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty, and cheesy topping.
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: For an extra cheesy layer on top.
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
4. Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each of the jumbo pasta shells, filling them up generously.
5. Arrange and Top: Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the Smoky Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells are out of the oven, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from breaking during stuffing.
Adjust the seasoning of the filling according to taste—make it bold and flavorful!
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven for best results for both refrigerated and frozen shells.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg