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