Satisfy your cravings with these Quick Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells! Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a zesty kick, this easy recipe comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun party dish, everyone will love these flavorful stuffed shells.
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
1 cup marinara sauce
![- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional) To make Quick Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells, these main ingredients are key. The jumbo pasta shells hold the delicious filling. The cooked chicken adds protein and flavor. Cream cheese makes the filling creamy. Buffalo wing sauce gives it a spicy kick. Shredded mozzarella adds a melty texture. You can add blue cheese if you like its tangy taste. - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste These spices and seasonings are important for flavor. Garlic powder adds depth, while onion powder enhances the taste. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. Adjust them to fit your taste buds. - 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish - 1 cup marinara sauce Garnishes and sauces elevate the dish. Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch on top. Marinara sauce provides a rich base for the stuffed shells. Together, they create a beautiful and tasty presentation. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Start by heating your oven. This step is key to ensuring everything bakes evenly. While the oven warms, boil water for your pasta. You want those shells just right—not too soft. Al dente gives the best texture and helps hold the filling. - In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and seasonings. Next, grab a bowl. Here, mix shredded chicken with cream cheese. Add buffalo wing sauce for that spicy kick! I often adjust the sauce based on your heat preference. Toss in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This mix should have a creamy and zesty flavor. - Carefully stuff each shell with the mixture and arrange in a baking dish. - Spread marinara sauce and top with cheeses before baking. Now for the fun part! Take each shell and stuff it with your tasty filling. Place them seam side up in a baking dish. Once all shells are in, spread marinara sauce over them. Top with mozzarella cheese and blue cheese crumbles if desired. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Wait for that cheese to bubble and turn golden. You can find the complete recipe [Full Recipe]. - Ensure shells are cooked al dente for better texture. This means they should be firm yet tender. - Mix filling ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution. This helps every bite taste great. - Cover with foil to retain moisture during the first bake. This keeps the dish juicy and delicious. - Remove foil for the last few minutes to achieve a golden cheese topping. This adds a nice crispness. - Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This adds freshness and balance to your plate. - Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for more heat. This gives it that extra kick everyone loves. {{image_2}} - Use cooked rotisserie chicken for faster prep. This saves time and adds flavor. - Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. This can make it sweeter and less spicy. - Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. - Use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella for a dairy-free version. This caters to those with lactose intolerance. - Add diced celery or carrots to the filling for extra crunch. This gives the dish more texture. - Include spices like cayenne or paprika for an extra kick. This enhances the heat and depth of flavor. Try these variations to make your Quick Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the shells fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave. Using the oven gives the best results. You will enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness again. You can freeze baked stuffed shells in individual portions. This makes for easy meals later on. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge. This way, they will heat evenly when you’re ready to enjoy. If you plan to freeze the stuffed shells, assemble them but do not bake. Baking them fresh gives the best taste and texture. The flavors will shine through, and you will enjoy them more. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can prepare the shells a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. This makes meal prep easy. Just store them covered in the fridge. When you're ready, bake as directed. This saves time on busy nights. Pair with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or veggie sticks for a balanced meal. These sides add color and nutrition. A crisp salad cools the spicy flavors. Garlic bread offers a nice crunch. Veggie sticks provide a crunchy contrast. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown, and the filling should be heated through. You can check by inserting a fork into the shells. If it feels hot, they are ready to enjoy. This ensures every bite is delicious. In this post, I shared how to make delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, the right cooking methods and ingredients can elevate your meal. Feel free to mix things up with variations or dietary swaps. Plus, you can store leftovers easily for later. Enjoy this tasty recipe as part of your family meals and impress your guests with the bold flavors.](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/69b71d57-0c66-433f-93d8-b1f530974753-250x250.webp)