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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells – A Spicy and Cheesy Delight


  • Author: isabil
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells stuffed with cheesy buffalo chicken, baked to perfection—perfect for dinner or meal prep!


Ingredients

Scale

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 smoked 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

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (they will finish cooking in the oven).
  3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and seasonings.
  2. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it starts to simmer.
  2. Stir in buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Shells

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture.
  3. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Pour the creamy buffalo sauce evenly over the shells.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  1. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, and blue cheese crumbles.
  3. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for an added kick

Notes

  • Undercook the pasta shells slightly so they don’t get mushy in the oven.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce to your spice preference—more for extra heat, less for a milder version.
  • For a crispy topping, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze unbaked shells for meal prep and bake when ready.
  • Prep Time: 20minutes
  • Cook Time: 30minutes