Name: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup ranch dressing; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

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Introduction

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a spicy buffalo kick, all wrapped inside cheesy jumbo pasta shells. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining friends.

The image shows a clear white rectangular glass dish filled with large pasta shells arranged in neat rows. Each shell is stuffed with a creamy orange filling topped with a melted light orange cheese layer, sprinkled with green herbs on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, highlighting the soft textures and warm colors of the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Fold in the ranch dressing to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Step 5: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture.
Step 6: Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish without overcrowding them.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish with extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
For a milder dish, reduce the buffalo sauce or add more ranch dressing.
Try adding chopped celery or carrots to the filling for extra crunch and freshness.
Substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with large pasta shells arranged in neat rows. Each shell is stuffed with a creamy, orange cheese filling that looks soft and slightly melted. The filling is topped with small bits of herbs, sprinkled evenly across the shells, adding green color to the dish. The shells are placed close together, creating a textured surface with visible ridges and smooth cheese on top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives.