Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells – A Spicy and Cheesy Delight

Introduction

If you love buffalo chicken and cheesy pasta, then you’re in for a treat! Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells combine the best of both worlds—creamy, cheesy pasta shells filled with spicy buffalo chicken goodness. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food with a spicy kick.

In this 5,000-word guide, we’ll cover everything from selecting the best ingredients to expert cooking techniques and variations to make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells truly irresistible.

Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
2. Essential Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
3. How to Cook the Perfect Pasta Shells
4. Preparing the Buffalo Chicken Filling
5. Making the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
6. Assembling the Pasta Shells
7. Baking to Golden Perfection
8. Variations and Customizations
9. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
10. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
11. FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
12. Conclusion

1. Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells are a crowd-pleasing dish packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Creamy and Spicy Balance – The rich cream cheese and shredded cheese mellow out the fiery buffalo sauce.
• Hearty and Filling – Perfect for satisfying your hunger while delivering bold flavors.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for easy, delicious meals throughout the week.
• Customizable – Swap in different cheeses, add veggies, or adjust the spice level to your preference.

2. Essential Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

For the Pasta Shells:

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Buffalo Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Toppings:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

this PIN FOR LATER

3. How to Cook the Perfect Pasta Shells

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

1. Cook the Pasta: Add jumbo pasta shells and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (they will finish cooking in the oven).
2. Drain and Cool: Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

4. Preparing the Buffalo Chicken Filling

1. Shred the Chicken: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and shred it into fine pieces.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and spices.
3. Blend Well: Stir until fully mixed and creamy.

5. Making the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

1. Heat the Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it starts to simmer.
2. Add Buffalo Sauce: Stir in buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Simmer Gently: Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.

6. Assembling the Pasta Shells

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture.
3. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
4. Pour the Sauce: Evenly spread the creamy buffalo sauce over the shells.

7. Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Sprinkle Cheese: Top with extra shredded cheese.
2. Cover and Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Uncover and Broil: Remove foil and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Variations and Customizations

• Make it Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra hot sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Use stuffed bell peppers instead of pasta shells.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for cauliflower or chickpeas.
• Ranch Lover’s Twist: Drizzle extra ranch dressing on top before serving.

9. Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pair your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy dish.
• Celery and Carrots – Classic buffalo side pairings.

10. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overcooking Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells so they hold their shape after baking.
• Too Dry? Add extra buffalo sauce or a little chicken broth before baking.
• Not Enough Flavor? Increase seasoning and mix in more cheese for richness.

11. FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Freeze before baking and bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes.

12. Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells are the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is easy to make and full of bold flavors. Try this recipe today and elevate your pasta game with a buffalo twist!

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