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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and seasonings.
- Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it starts to simmer.
- Stir in buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the creamy buffalo sauce evenly over the shells.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, and blue cheese crumbles.
- 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