Name: Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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)

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If you crave a dish that brings bold flavors, creamy textures, and quick prep all in one, then get ready to fall in love with this creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe! It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that packs a punch with spicy buffalo sauce, balanced by smooth cheeses and ranch, wrapped up inside tender jumbo pasta shells. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple and fast, making it a fantastic choice for when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create a harmonious balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy. These simple components come together effortlessly, giving you that classic stuffed shells texture and flavor with a fiery twist that’s hard to resist.

12 jumbo pasta shells: Perfect size to hold plenty of the creamy buffalo filling while staying tender yet sturdy after baking.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides hearty protein and soaks up all the buffalo goodness.
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds bold spicy heat and signature flavor that makes this dish pop.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Gives a velvety creaminess and mild flavor to soften the spice.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top and inside for irresistible gooey texture.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Boosts richness and helps keep the filling luxuriously smooth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances depth and savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
1/4 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cooling tang to balance the buffalo heat perfectly.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds vibrant color and a mild bite.

How to Make Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your shells are stuffed. Meanwhile, cook the jumbo pasta shells following the package directions until they’re al dente. This means they’ll be tender but still hold their shape during baking. Once cooked, drain them carefully and set aside to cool enough for stuffing.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, making sure every piece gets coated in spicy flavor. Add the ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese, and garlic powder to create a creamy, cheesy mixture. Stir until smooth and well combined. Finally, gently fold in the ranch dressing to mellow out the heat and add a fresh tang that brings the flavors into perfect harmony.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

With a spoon or small scoop, carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with the buffalo chicken mixture. Be generous but try not to overfill, so the filling stays secure inside the shell during baking. Place the stuffed shells snugly but without overcrowding into a greased baking dish, ready for the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the assembled shells with foil to keep all the steam in and bake for about 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, the cheeses to melt into gooey goodness, and everything to heat through perfectly. If desired, uncover in the last few minutes to let the cheese on top brown slightly for an inviting finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with extra shredded mozzarella or chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and appealing look. This simple final touch elevates the presentation and gives your meal a pop of color that’s as appetizing as the taste itself.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Garnishes

Sprinkling on chopped green onions or even a bit of fresh parsley immediately brightens the appearance and adds a subtle oniony or herby finish to balance the rich filling. For some extra cheesy indulgence, a light dusting of Parmesan can add complexity and a salty kick.

Side Dishes

These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad or crunchy celery sticks to complement the spicy buffalo flavor. You could also serve warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce and make the meal feel even more comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating each stuffed shell individually on a colorful platter with drizzles of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Alternatively, serve in a large casserole dish family-style, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the spicy, creamy goodness together. Adding a sprinkle of paprika or a few red pepper flakes on top adds extra visual punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain creamy textures and prevent sogginess. They’ll keep that delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious flavor ready to enjoy anytime.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the unbaked stuffed shells by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container once frozen solid. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding a little extra time covered with foil.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the leftovers with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15–20 minutes depending on portion size. Alternatively, a microwave on medium power works well for quick reheats, but the oven helps retain the desirable textures and melty cheese experience that makes this dish special.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds wonderful flavor and saves prep time. Just shred the meat before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Yes! You can reduce the buffalo sauce or swap it for a milder wing sauce to tailor the heat level to your taste. Adding extra ranch or cream cheese can also help tone down the spice without losing flavor.

What if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells?

If jumbo shells are unavailable, manicotti tubes or large pasta sheets rolled around the filling work well as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta size and shape.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells to keep the dish suitable for gluten intolerance without sacrificing taste or texture.

How do I know when the stuffed shells are done baking?

Look for bubbly, melted cheese on top and heated filling throughout. The internal temperature should be hot, and the dish will smell fragrant with garlic and buffalo spices when ready.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this incredible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for busy nights. It’s a game changer that proves quick cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and creamy cheeses. This easy 30-minute recipe delivers a spicy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners, with a delicious ranch dressing twist to balance the heat.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed shells evenly.
Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are easy to handle.
Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
Add Ranch Dressing: Fold in the ranch dressing gently to balance the spicy buffalo sauce with a cool and creamy flavor.
Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the buffalo chicken and cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-filled but not overstuffed.
Arrange Shells: Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing even baking.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with extra shredded mozzarella cheese or chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful finish before serving.

Notes

You can prepare these stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
For a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
Use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free version.
The recipe is quick and great for meal prep, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American