Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delightful twist on traditional stuffed pasta shells. This recipe combines the spicy and tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving some comfort food with a kick, these stuffed shells are sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Blue cheese crumbles, for garnish
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or your fingers to fill each shell evenly.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour any remaining buffalo sauce over the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and blue cheese crumbles before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Jumbo pasta shells are large pasta shells that are perfect for stuffing. They hold the filling well and provide a substantial base for the dish.
- Chicken: Cooked chicken adds protein and substance to the filling. It is shredded and mixed with buffalo sauce to give the dish its signature spicy flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce is a spicy and tangy sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and other seasonings. It adds a bold flavor to the chicken filling.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a creamy and slightly sweet cheese that adds richness to the filling. It pairs well with the spicy buffalo chicken.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a mild and melty cheese that helps bind the filling together and adds gooeyness to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard and nutty cheese that adds a salty kick to the filling. It also adds depth of flavor.
- Green Onions: Green onions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the filling. They provide a nice contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the filling. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Parsley: Parsley is a fresh and herbaceous herb that is used as a garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Blue cheese crumbles are a tangy and creamy cheese that is sprinkled on top of the stuffed shells. It adds a bold and distinctive flavor to the dish.
