Quick Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

$- 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, plus extra for topping - 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - Cook 12 jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. - Drain and set aside to cool slightly. - In a bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. - Mix until smooth. This filling packs a punch! - Stuff each shell with the buffalo chicken mixture. Use a teaspoon for easy filling. - Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the stuffed shells, seam side up. - Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. - Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy your savory creation! You can find the Full Recipe for detailed measurements and tips. Fill the shells evenly for the best taste. Each bite should have the same flavor. To make this easier, use a piping bag. This tool helps you stuff each shell quickly and cleanly. You will enjoy less mess and more fun cooking. Buffalo sauce can be very spicy. You can change the amount based on your spice preference. If you want less heat, add a splash of ranch dressing. This will help mellow the sauce and make it creamy. How you serve your dish matters. Place the stuffed shells on a nice platter. Garnish them with green onions for color. You can also drizzle extra marinara sauce over the top. For added flavor, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles. This makes the dish look tasty and inviting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients. {{image_4}} You can switch up the chicken for other proteins. Try using: - Ground turkey or beef instead of chicken. This adds a different taste and texture. - For a vegetarian option, use shredded jackfruit or tofu. Both mimic chicken well and soak up flavor nicely. Cheese plays a big role in flavor. Here are some tasty swaps: - Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a bolder flavor. These cheeses melt well and add a kick. - If you want something creamy, try goat cheese or ricotta instead of cream cheese. They bring a unique taste to the dish. Change the sauce for a fresh twist. Consider these options: - Alfredo or pesto sauce can change the whole flavor vibe. They give a rich and creamy base. - For a unique take, use BBQ sauce. It adds a sweet and tangy touch that surprises the palate. These variations keep the dish exciting and cater to different tastes. You can always make it your own by mixing and matching these options! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. After you enjoy your buffalo chicken stuffed shells, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. For the best taste, eat them within 3-4 days. This way, you can savor those amazing flavors again soon. If you want to make a big batch, freeze the stuffed shells before you bake them. This is great for meal prep. Just place them in a freezer-safe dish. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This helps the shells bake evenly later on. The best way to reheat your stuffed shells is in the oven. This helps keep the cheesy goodness and crispness. Just cover the dish with foil to avoid drying out. If you need a faster option, you can use the microwave. It works in a pinch, but it might make the cheese less creamy. Yes, but cooking and assembly may vary slightly. Regular pasta shells are smaller, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Smaller shells will cook faster, so start checking them a few minutes early. Stuffing them can be a bit trickier, as they hold less filling. Just be patient, and fill them carefully. You can easily prepare this dish ahead. Start by making the stuffing and cooking the shells. Once they're cooked, let them cool. Then, stuff the shells and arrange them in your baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and put it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. These stuffed shells taste great with a few sides. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Steamed vegetables also complement the dish nicely, adding color and nutrition. You can mix and match based on your taste. Enjoy the meal! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Buffalo chicken stuffed shells offer a fun twist on a classic dish. We explored the key ingredients, including jumbo pasta shells and shredded chicken, to create a tasty filling. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping, filling, and baking these shells. Tips ranged from perfecting the stuffing to adjusting spice levels based on preference. With variations for proteins and sauces, you can customize this dish easily. Whether you store leftovers or enjoy them right away, these stuffed shells are sure to please. Try making them and savor the delicious flavors!$

Quick Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the deliciousness of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells that will take your dinner to the next level! With juicy shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a kick of buffalo sauce, these jumbo pasta shells are a crowd favorite. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor.

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Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust amount based on spice preference)

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for added tang)

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

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly baked dish.

In a large pot, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly avoid burns while stuffing.

In a sizable mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until you achieve a smooth and well-mixed filling.

Using a teaspoon or your fingers, carefully stuff each cooked shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring they are generously filled but not overflowing.

Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, which will prevent the shells from sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, with the seam side facing up to keep the filling secure.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle generously with additional mozzarella cheese and blue cheese crumbles, if you choose to include them for extra flavor depth.

To keep the moisture in, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese boasts a bubbly and golden appearance.

Allow the dish to cool for about five minutes once out of the oven. Before serving, garnish the top with the chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful finish.

- Preparation Time: 15 minutes

- Total Cooking Time: 45 minutes

- Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed shells on a large platter, drizzled with extra marinara sauce, and garnish with additional green onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese for a gourmet touch.