Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells 5 Steps Awesome Delicious

Craving a spicy and cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells! This mouthwatering recipe combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting goodness of pasta shells, creating a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

What are Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. The shells are then baked in a savory sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both spicy and indulgent.

Why Buffalo Chicken is a Popular Choice?

Buffalo chicken is a beloved flavor profile for good reason. The combination of spicy, tangy, and buttery notes creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. By incorporating this popular flavor into a pasta dish, you get the best of both worlds – the comforting warmth of pasta with the bold, craveable taste of buffalo chicken.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

List of Ingredients

To make this delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While the ingredients listed above create a delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells dish, you can also experiment with various substitutions and additions to suit your personal preferences. For example, you could use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for a more intense flavor. You could also add some diced celery or carrots to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are baked to perfection.

Mixing the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and the filling is well-incorporated.

Stuffing the Shells

Carefully fill each of the cooked pasta shells with the chicken and cheese mixture, making sure to distribute the filling evenly. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, taking care to place them side by side.

Baking the Dish

Once the shells are all filled, cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells for 25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

After the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells have finished baking, remove the foil and drizzle the shells with a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing, depending on your personal preference. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Choosing the Right Pasta Shells

For this recipe, it’s best to use jumbo pasta shells, as they provide the perfect vessel for the delicious chicken and cheese filling. The large size allows you to stuff the shells generously, creating a satisfying and visually appealing dish.

How to Make the Filling Creamier

If you prefer a creamier filling, you can add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the chicken mixture. This will create a richer, more indulgent texture that complements the spicy buffalo sauce.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The amount of buffalo sauce used in the filling can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of spiciness. If you’re looking for a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of buffalo sauce and add more to taste. For those who love the heat, feel free to increase the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

Each serving of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells contains approximately 350 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 25g of protein, 30g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. This makes it a satisfying and relatively balanced meal option.

Healthier Modifications

To make this dish even healthier, you can use low-fat or nonfat ricotta cheese, opt for reduced-fat mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and serve the shells with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side. These simple substitutions can help reduce the overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Best Side Dishes to Serve

To complement the bold flavors of the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells, consider serving them with a fresh, crisp side salad, garlic breadsticks, or a serving of roasted broccoli or asparagus. These sides will help balance the dish and provide a nice contrast to the spicy and creamy elements.

Perfect Beverage Pairings

When it comes to beverages, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells pair well with a cold, refreshing beer or a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The carbonation or acidity in these drinks can help cut through the richness of the dish and cleanse the palate between bites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. The shells are then baked in a savory sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both spicy and indulgent.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells ahead of time. Simply assemble the stuffed shells and place them in a baking dish. Cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells can be served with a variety of sides. Popular choices include a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing. These sides complement the spicy flavors of the dish and provide a nice balance.

How do I store leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave them until warm. If you wish to freeze them, wrap the assembled but unbaked shells tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Vegetarian Options

For a vegetarian version of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu. This will provide a similar texture and flavor profile while accommodating a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Different Sauces and Cheeses

While the classic buffalo sauce and blend of cheeses work wonderfully in this dish, you can also experiment with different sauces and cheese varieties. Try a creamy Alfredo sauce or a zesty marinara, and experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Parmesan, Asiago, or even a spicy pepper jack.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comfort of pasta. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and get ready to satisfy your cravings for something spicy, cheesy, and downright irresistible!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Buffalo Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells
• Smoky Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
• Loaded Buffalo Mac & Cheese Nuggets

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