Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells offer a vibrant combination of flavors that excite the palate. This delightful dish brings together the spicy, tangy notes of Buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of cheese and the hearty texture of pasta. Imagine an enticing plate of large pasta shells stuffed with a zesty chicken mixture, topped with bubbling cheese—a comfort food feast that’s both satisfying and appealing!
Why is this recipe worth making? It’s an easy dinner option that’s family-friendly and can be put together in a snap, especially on busy weeknights. Not only does it boast bold, mouthwatering flavors, but it also brings a comforting, indulgent sense of home cooking that everyone will appreciate. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells recipe is perfect for busy families looking for fun and flavorful meals without the hassle. With just a few simple ingredients and a swift preparation process, dinner is on the table before you know it! This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser; it also caters to varying palate preferences with the optional ingredients like blue cheese and green onions.
If you’re a fan of Buffalo sauce, you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for adjustments that fit your taste. Above all, the hearty nature of the jumbo pasta shells stuffed with juicy chicken satisfies even the biggest appetites—making it the perfect solution for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breast of chicken)
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce (a tangy favorite)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (creamy and rich)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (for that melty goodness)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp and delightful)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for a bold flavor)
- 2 green onions, diced (optional, for freshness)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (to enhance flavor)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (adds depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (for vibrant garnish)
- 1 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (for dipping)
- Extra chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for the delicious dish ahead.
Cook pasta shells: Prepare the pasta shells according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool.
Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined and beautifully creamy.
Stuff the shells: Take each pasta shell and generously stuff it with the chicken mixture. Place the filled shells in a greased baking dish with the opening side facing up. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and, if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Tips & Tricks
Chef’s secret: For a kick, consider adding a bit more Buffalo sauce to the filling before stuffing the shells. This additional heat ensures a bold kick in every bite.
Optional extras: Mixing in some chopped celery or carrots into the filling can enhance the dish’s texture and add a subtle crunch.
Cooking hacks: For enforced flavors, let the filling sit for a bit before stuffing, allowing the spices to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells are often a complete meal on their own, but you can elevate the dining experience by serving them with a side of fresh, crisp salad or steamed vegetables. Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade, which brilliantly balances the flavors of the dish. For additional garnish, consider serving with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for a delightful dip!
Nutritional Information
While enjoying this dish, it’s good to note its delicious flavors also come with some health considerations. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on cheese and sauce quantities. This comforting meal strikes a nice balance, offering protein from the chicken and fiber from the pasta, though it may be best reserved for an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence.
Storing Tips & Variations for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
To make your life easier, consider preparing a double batch and storing leftovers! This dish can be frozen before baking or after, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight and bake as instructed.
For healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat pasta shells or a light cheese blend. You can even experiment with swapping the chicken for shredded turkey or plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
You don’t want to miss out on making these Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells! It’s a family favorite that combines rich flavors in a way that feels special—but comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Try this recipe today, and watch as it becomes a staple in your home, filling both bellies and hearts with warmth and joy!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to your dish.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
For an extra kick, add more Buffalo sauce to your filling or garnish with sliced jalapeños before serving.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
4. Is it okay to freeze these stuffed shells?
Definitely! Freeze them before baking, then thaw and bake when you’re ready for a tasty meal.
5. What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells?
A simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crispy potato wedges complement this dish beautifully. Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Shells
A delicious and easy dinner featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with spicy Buffalo chicken and topped with cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breast)
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 green onions, diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (for dipping)
- Extra chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Generously stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and place them in a greased baking dish opening side up. Top with remaining mozzarella and optional blue cheese crumbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
For extra heat, add more Buffalo sauce to the filling. This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
