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Creamy buffalo chicken stuffed shells have become my secret weapon for busy weeknights when comfort food cravings strike. The combination of spicy tangy buffalo sauce with cool ranch and creamy cheeses turns classic pasta shells into something unforgettable. This is one recipe that disappears every single time I serve it and there are never leftovers.
I whipped this up the first time for a last minute game day dinner and honestly I never thought pasta could taste this bold. Even my picky eater asks for seconds.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells: they hold all the filling and stay tender try to get shells that are not cracked
- Cooked chicken: shredded for texture I love using rotisserie for extra flavor
- Buffalo sauce: gives punchy spicy heat look for one with good tang and medium spiciness
- Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and helps bind the filling pick whole milk ricotta for richest taste
- Mozzarella cheese: shredded for gooey melt factor choose low moisture for best results
- Cream cheese: softened for extra smooth filling let it come to room temp before mixing
- Garlic powder: builds savory depth in every bite opt for fresh powder not garlic salt
- Ranch dressing: cools the heat and completes the buffalo flavor use a ranch you love eating on salads
- Green onions: chopped for freshness and pop always pick ones with bright crisp tops
How to Make It
- Cook the Shells:
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells in well salted water until just barely al dente usually about 9 minutes then drain and lay out on a baking sheet to keep them from sticking together
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine shredded chicken buffalo sauce ricotta cheese mozzarella cream cheese garlic powder ranch dressing and half the green onions in a large bowl Stir until everything is evenly blended and ultra creamy
- Fill the Shells:
- Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken filling into each cooked shell Use a heaping tablespoon per shell and pack gently to avoid tearing
- Arrange and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F Lightly grease a baking dish Arrange filled shells snugly in a single layer over the bottom of the dish
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and green onions over filled shells Cover with foil Bake for about 20 minutes then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges
- Serve Hot:
- Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving for clean scooping Drizzle with more buffalo or ranch if desired
Every time I make this I am blown away by how buffalo sauce mixes with silky ricotta The swirl of spicy and creamy makes the kitchen smell so nostalgic for all those football Sundays with family and laughter filling the room
Flavor Boosters
Try swapping part mozzarella for sharp cheddar for extra tang or use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for higher protein. Stir in some fresh herbs like chives or add sliced roasted peppers to the filling for seasonal variation. If you like extra heat drizzle with more hot sauce after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these shells with crisp celery sticks or a salad with crunchy romaine and carrots. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or ranch over the top brings everything together. Garlic bread makes it a real treat especially if you want to soak up any cheesy sauce.
Creative Twists
Make it freezer friendly by assembling the stuffed shells ahead and freezing unbaked. For a weeknight twist stuff in extra veggies like spinach or add a spoonful of blue cheese to the filling. Use this recipe as a base to try different hot sauces or ranch blends for your family’s favorite flavor combo.
This meal always brings people together and makes any night feel special. Enjoy the spicy cheesy comfort and watch the shells disappear from the pan.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a shortcut and blends well with buffalo sauce and cheeses in the filling.
- → How spicy is the buffalo chicken filling?
The heat depends on the buffalo sauce used. For milder spice, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the quantity slightly.
- → Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble shells in advance, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best results.
- → What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use blue cheese dressing or a mix of sour cream and herbs for a similar tangy flavor profile.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.