If you’re craving a cozy, comforting pasta bake with a spicy twist, these buffalo chicken stuffed shells are the perfect dinner to try. This recipe brings together tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy buffalo chicken filling made from shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and plenty of melted cheese. The shells bake until hot and bubbly, delivering the irresistible flavors of buffalo wings in a family-friendly pasta dish. Whether you love spicy comfort foods or want an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, these stuffed shells offer rich flavor, satisfying textures, and a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken.
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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
This recipe is a favorite for busy families, pasta lovers, and anyone who enjoys buffalo-style dishes. It boosts the classic flavors of buffalo chicken by pairing them with a creamy, cheesy filling and the comfort of baked jumbo pasta shells. The result is rich, saucy, spicy, and absolutely delicious.
Here’s why you’ll want to make this dish again and again:
- It uses simple, accessible ingredients.
- You can assemble it ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners.
- The spice level is customizable — spicy or mild.
- It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- It bakes quickly and feeds a crowd.
- The ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce blend into an addictively creamy filling.
If you love buffalo chicken dip and baked pasta, this recipe marries the two into one unforgettable meal.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Chicken and Filling
- 3 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (or 1.5 oz packet)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- Nonstick spray for the baking dish
Toppings
- Additional buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing for drizzling
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley
Ingredient Notes
Shredded Chicken
Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here: it’s convenient, flavorful, and shreds easily. You can also use:
- Poached chicken
- Leftover roast chicken
- Canned chicken in a pinch (drained well)
If you want to lighten the recipe, use a mix of white and dark meat for moisture without being too rich.
Buffalo Sauce
The buffalo sauce brings heat, tang, and signature buffalo flavor. If serving young kids or heat-sensitive guests, use:
- A mild buffalo sauce
- A 50/50 mix of buffalo sauce and marinara
- Less buffalo sauce to start, then increase to taste
Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, rich, creamy filling. If you prefer a lighter option:
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese
- Substitute half with ricotta for a milder flavor
Cheese Blend
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while white cheddar adds sharp, creamy depth. You can substitute:
- Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack for extra heat
Ranch Seasoning
This gives the filling its characteristic zesty flavor. If you prefer homemade seasonings, blend dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Jumbo Shells
Cook them until al dente and rinse lightly to prevent sticking. Slightly firmer shells are easier to stuff.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Pasta and Baking Dish
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2 – Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Buffalo sauce
- Softened cream cheese
- Half the mozzarella cheese
- All the white cheddar cheese
- Ranch seasoning
- Black pepper
Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and evenly blended. The warmth from the cooked chicken helps soften the cream cheese, making it easy to mix.
Step 3 – Stuff the Pasta Shells
Scoop a generous spoonful of filling into each cooked shell. Pack it in firmly without tearing the pasta.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 4 – Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top of the shells.
If you like extra heat, drizzle a little buffalo sauce over the top before baking.
Step 5 – Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until:
- The cheese has fully melted
- The filling is warmed through
- The edges are bubbly
If you want a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Step 6 – Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes.
Finish with:
- A drizzle of buffalo sauce
- A drizzle of ranch dressing
- Fresh green onions or parsley
Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook extra shells: a few will likely tear during boiling.
- Use softened cream cheese so the filling mixes smoothly.
- Taste the filling before stuffing; adjust heat or seasoning.
- Don’t overcook the shells: slightly firm shells stuff more easily.
- Broil briefly for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Rest before serving so the filling sets slightly and stays inside the shells.
Flavor Variations
Mild Buffalo Chicken Shells
Use ¼ cup buffalo sauce + ¼ cup ranch dressing to create a creamier, gentler heat.
Extra Spicy Version
Add cayenne pepper, use hot buffalo sauce, or mix in Pepper Jack cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
Mix ½ cup Alfredo sauce into the filling for a richer, creamier stuffing.
Veggie-Boosted Version
Add diced celery, scallions, or finely chopped spinach directly into the filling.
BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Shells
Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce and use sharp cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo chicken stuffed shells pair well with:
Side Dishes
- Garden salad with ranch dressing
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread
- Celery and carrot sticks
For Game Day
Serve with:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Extra dipping sauces
- Crispy potatoes
For Family Dinner
Pair with a simple Caesar salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze
These freeze exceptionally well:
- Assemble shells as directed.
- Do not bake.
- Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to cook, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Reheat
- Oven: 350°F for 12–15 minutes
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes (great for crispy edges)
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells: Spicy, Cheesy & Delicious
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These buffalo chicken stuffed shells combine creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken filling with tender jumbo pasta shells for a spicy, comforting, crowd-pleasing baked dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- Nonstick spray
- Optional toppings: additional buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Cook jumbo shells until al dente, drain, and let cool slightly. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, half the mozzarella, white cheddar, ranch seasoning, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Stuff each cooled pasta shell with the buffalo chicken filling and arrange in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Add extra buffalo sauce if desired.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until melted, bubbly, and heated through. Broil 1–2 minutes for browning.
- Rest a few minutes, then drizzle buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Top with green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use slightly undercooked shells for easier stuffing. Taste filling before stuffing to adjust spice and seasoning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~370 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | ~880mg |
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FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes. While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can use manicotti, cannelloni, or even layer the filling into lasagna noodles for a buffalo chicken lasagna. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time when cooking straight from the fridge.
How can I make it less spicy?
Use a mild buffalo sauce, cut the buffalo sauce with ranch dressing, or reduce the amount entirely. You can also add extra cream cheese to mellow the heat.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Yes! Blend dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Homemade seasoning gives you complete control over salt and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Chopped celery, green onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to create extra texture and nutrition without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
Final Thoughts
These buffalo chicken stuffed shells combine creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender pasta into one unforgettable dish. They’re quick to prepare, family-friendly, and packed with bold flavors that make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, hosting a game day party, or just craving cheesy comfort food, this recipe delivers heat, flavor, and pure comfort. For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup, or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!