Name: Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious 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; Additional shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Welcome to a dish that’s pure comfort food with a zesty kick: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells loaded with a luscious blend of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheeses that create a creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible filling. This recipe brings together simplicity, flavor, and speed, perfect for anyone craving an unforgettable meal that comes together quicker than you think. Whether you’re a buffalo wing fan or just love rich, cheesy pasta, these stuffed shells will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, combining to create a balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors. From the tangy buffalo sauce to the rich cream cheese, these essentials come together easily but deliver remarkable taste and texture.

Jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing, holding the delicious filling securely.
Cooked chicken, shredded: Provides hearty protein and soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Buffalo sauce: Adds that signature tangy and spicy heat everyone loves.
Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy and slightly sweet base to balance the spice.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy goodness.
Cream cheese, softened: Gives extra creaminess and a smooth texture to the filling.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth enhancing all the flavors.
Ranch dressing: Balances heat with coolness and adds a herby touch.
Green onions, chopped: Adds fresh color and a crisp mild onion flavor for garnish.

How to Make Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your stuffed shells to bake evenly and for the cheese to melt beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Once tender but still firm, drain them carefully. Set aside so they’re ready to be filled without falling apart.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well blended, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Balance the Flavors with Ranch

Fold in the ranch dressing gently. This cool addition balances the heat from the buffalo sauce, bringing a delightful herby and creamy contrast to the filling.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Take care as you fill each cooked jumbo shell with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture. Fill them generously but avoid overstuffing to keep the shells intact and easy to serve.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Grease your baking dish lightly and arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer without crowding. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in, then bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are heated through.

Step 7: Final Touches

Before serving, sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella or chopped green onions to add a fresh and melty finish that elevates the presentation and taste significantly.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Garnishes

Adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra mozzarella right out of the oven enhances the dish both visually and flavor-wise. A dash of fresh parsley or a light drizzle of ranch can also add brightness and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or pair with roasted veggies for a nutritious, colorful complement. Garlic bread is another classic choice to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, consider baking individual portions in ramekins or use colorful baking dishes to add a festive touch. You can also layer the filling and shells in a casserole for a hearty, family-style meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed shells keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They maintain their creamy texture and bold flavors, making them an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before baking by covering the prepared shells tightly with foil and plastic wrap. They will stay delicious for up to three months and can be baked straight from the freezer with a little extra time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker reheating, a microwave works well but watch to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and saves you prep time while adding delicious flavor.

How spicy are these stuffed shells?

The buffalo sauce adds a nice kick, but folding in ranch dressing helps mellow the heat, making it flavorful but not overwhelming.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While the cheese components are key to the creamy texture, you could experiment with dairy-free cheese alternatives and a ranch substitute, though the result may differ slightly.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken is essential to the recipe. Using raw chicken would require different preparation and cooking times.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be delightful additions and boost the nutritional profile.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe is the perfect blend of speed, flavor, and comfort in one dish. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines cheesy goodness with a spicy twist, this is your new favorite. Dive into this flavorful adventure and enjoy every luscious bite—you might just fall in love all over again with stuffed shells!

Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (3 shells per serving) 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and delivers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors in just 30 minutes.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the filling and shells.
Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
Add Ranch Dressing: Gently fold in the ranch dressing to the filling mixture. This addition helps to mellow out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce and adds a tangy, creamy undertone.
Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, making sure each shell is generously stuffed.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish, arranging them so they’re snug but not overcrowded, allowing even baking.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, uncover, and optionally sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and chopped green onions over the top for added flavor and color before serving.

Notes

You can prepare and stuff the shells in advance, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For longer storage, freeze stuffed shells before baking for up to three months; bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
Use low-fat cheeses to reduce fat content if desired.
Serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic Buffalo wing experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American