Creamy Buffalo Chicken Shells

This creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells recipe delivers a bold, satisfying dinner in under an hour with just 25 minutes of prep. These cheesy stuffed pasta shells are loaded with tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and a silky triple cheese filling, making them a perfect weeknight comfort food. If you're searching for an easy buffalo chicken pasta bake that's family friendly and packed with flavor, this recipe is the solution to your busy dinner challenges.

I first created these creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells when I was short on time but wanted something comforting and a little exciting. The combination of creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and shredded chicken gave me everything I craved, all baked into tender shells with bubbling cheese. Now this stuffed shell recipe is my teenagers' favorite to request for friends or when we want a no fuss, show stopping meal that pleases everyone, even picky eaters.

Gather Your Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo pasta shells: Best for holding generous scoops of filling; use 12 shells for a standard 9 by 13 inch dish. Look for sturdy brands that keep their shape through boiling and baking so your buffalo chicken filling stays neatly inside.
• Cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is fast and tender, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works. Shred finely for an even, creamy blend in the shells.
• Buffalo sauce: Adds classic tang and heat; choose mild, medium, or hot per your spice preference. Opt for brands with simple, quality ingredients for bold, clean taste.
• Ricotta cheese: Brings creaminess and lightly tangy flavor; whole milk for richness, or part skim for a lighter but still smooth texture.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into irresistible stretches; shred your own for optimal flavor and the best cheese pull when served.
• Cream cheese, softened: Ensures a luscious, cohesive filling that binds well. Use full fat for the richest texture, or neufchatel for a slightly lighter version.
• Garlic powder: Gives savory depth and warmth; substitute a small minced garlic clove if desired for extra punch.
• Ranch dressing: The “secret ingredient” cools down the spice and adds tangy creaminess. Go for high quality ranch for maximum flavor impact.
• Green onions, chopped: Freshly chopped for color, mild bite, and crunch that balances the rich filling. Reserve some for a vibrant garnish before serving.

How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Boil the Jumbo Pasta Shells until Al Dente:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add jumbo shells, and stir gently while cooking for about 10 minutes so they do not stick. Cook until just tender but still slightly firm—al dente—so the pasta holds its shape in the oven. Drain and rinse the shells in cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking together while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Filling:

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, ranch dressing, and most of the green onions. Stir thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined, adjusting buffalo sauce for heat. The mixture should be thick but easy to scoop or pipe, ensuring every shell has plenty of flavor and moisture.

Stuff the Pasta Shells with Filling:

Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each cooled shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, but do not overstuff. Arrange the stuffed shells open side up in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish, so they sit in a single layer and the tops can brown beautifully when baked.

Add Extra Cheese and Bake until Golden:

Top the shells with any reserved mozzarella cheese or add a little more for maximum melt. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Watch for the filling to be thoroughly heated and the tops appealingly colored.

Garnish and Serve your Stuffed Shells:

Remove from the oven and let the pan rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the filling set. Sprinkle with extra green onions for color and crunch, then add a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce if desired. Serve hot for the perfect gooey, creamy texture and flavor balance.

My favorite way to boost flavor is adding a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles into the filling for extra tang. When I first served these stuffed shells on game day, friends loved the balance of spicy buffalo sauce and velvety cheese, and leftovers were just as good the next day. This recipe quickly became a staple for packing more protein into family dinners while keeping everyone happy and full.

Smart Swaps and Variations for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Switch up the fillings by using rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap in shredded turkey to use up leftovers. Gluten free pasta shells are a great substitute if needed, and you can make this dish lighter by choosing low fat cheeses or plant based dairy options. Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for texture, or use blue cheese or pepper jack for a different flavor kick—these swaps keep the recipe fresh and customizable for any dietary need or ingredient on hand.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Store leftover shells in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for meal prep lunches or quick dinners. To freeze, assemble shells in a freezer safe dish before or after baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Reheat by placing frozen or thawed shells in a 350°F oven until piping hot and cheese is rebubbling, or microwave individual portions covered for two to three minutes for speedy single servings.

What to Serve with Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Pair your buffalo chicken stuffed shells with a crisp green salad tossed in ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic flavor contrast. Garlic bread, soft dinner rolls, or even roasted vegetables make great sides for soaking up extra buffalo sauce and creating a balanced meal. For game day, offer crunchy celery, carrot sticks, or grilled veggies to bring even more textural variety and color to your dinner table.

Nutritional Benefits

Buffalo chicken stuffed shells offer a balanced meal with satisfying protein from chicken and cheeses plus long lasting energy from the pasta. The recipe is naturally nut free and can easily suit gluten free or dairy free needs with appropriate swaps. With roughly 25 grams of protein per serving and a rich dose of calcium, this dish supports muscle health and nourishment without sacrificing the indulgent flavor of classic comfort food.

Recipe Success Tips for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

To get the creamiest filling, make sure cream cheese is softened completely at room temperature before mixing, avoiding lumps. Don’t overcook shells in the first boil so they keep their structure when stuffed and baked. If the filling seems dry after mixing, stir in a tablespoon of reserved pasta water or extra ranch to keep it creamy and scoopable.

These creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells are sure to be a hit at your next dinner, bringing everyone together with bold, comforting flavor. Try them for your next weeknight meal and enjoy the satisfying balance of ease, taste, and indulgence they deliver every time.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of chicken works best for stuffed shells?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken are both excellent choices for quicker preparation and best texture in each bite.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can fill the shells and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked straight from the fridge.

→ What is the ideal cheese blend for buffalo chicken shells?

A combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese ensures creaminess and stretch, complementing the bold buffalo flavor.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate due to buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount of sauce to increase or reduce the heat according to your preference.

→ Are there alternatives to ranch dressing in the filling?

Yes, blue cheese dressing or sour cream can be used in place of ranch for a different tang and flavor dimension.