Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe
These Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a quick and flavorful twist on classic stuffed pasta, combining tender jumbo pasta shells with a spicy buffalo chicken filling, creamy cheeses, and a hint of ranch. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that packs a punch of flavor in just 30 minutes.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Pasta
Filling
- 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
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each cooked pasta shell, ensuring they are well-filled but not overflowing.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor, and serve warm. These stuffed shells pair well with a side salad or celery sticks for a classic buffalo experience.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier texture, soften the cream cheese before mixing.
- If you want to add extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (3 stuffed shells)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken stuffed shells, creamy buffalo chicken pasta, stuffed pasta shells, easy buffalo chicken recipe, 30 minute dinner