Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and incredible ease of preparation, look no further than these Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells. This recipe is a fantastic example of Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious magic, where tender jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a luscious blend of shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and dreamy cheeses. It’s the perfect weeknight wonder that somehow manages to taste like comfort food from a fancy restaurant, all in just half an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, carefully chosen to create a balanced, flavorful, and satisfying dish. From the heat of the buffalo sauce to the cool creaminess of the cheeses, every component works together to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and even a pop of color.

• 12 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully without breaking apart.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender and juicy, the chicken is the hearty base of the filling that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds just the right kick of spicy tang to give this dish its signature bold flavor.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, smooth texture that balances the heat and adds richness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to make the filling gooey and indulgent.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the filling together perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savoriness with a gentle garlic punch, rounding out the flavors.
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Offers cool and tangy notes that mellow out the buffalo sauce’s heat.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and a lovely splash of color on top.

How to Make Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s perfectly hot and ready by the time your shells are stuffed. Meanwhile, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente, so they hold their shape but are tender enough to bite through easily. Once cooked, carefully drain and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir everything together with love until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This step is where the magic happens—the flavors meld into a rich, spicy, cheesy filling that’s impossible to resist.

Step 3: Balance the Heat with Ranch Dressing

Next, fold in the ranch dressing. This ingredient is essential because it calms down the spicy buffalo sauce with its cool, tangy flavor and adds an extra layer of smoothness to the filling. Make sure it’s evenly mixed to coat every bite.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Now comes the fun part! Gently fill each cooked jumbo shell with a generous spoonful of the creamy buffalo chicken mixture. Take your time here to be sure each shell is stuffed but not overfilled, preventing any spills. Place each stuffed shell neatly into a greased baking dish, giving them just enough room so they’re not overcrowded.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This step ensures the filling is heated through and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer of pure indulgence. When done, you’ll know it by the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella or chopped green onions on top for a beautiful finish and an additional burst of flavor. The garnishes add a bright touch that elevates this already delicious meal.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions are your best friend here—they add a vibrant, peppery contrast to the creamy filling. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese can elevate the dish to new heights of flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

To round out this meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the spicy richness of the buffalo chicken shells. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make excellent companions, offering complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these stuffed shells in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also top them with sliced avocado or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add freshness and an unexpected color pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to two months for quick and easy meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen shells overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through and bubbly, typically about 20 minutes. This method helps keep the shells moist and the cheese perfectly melted.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this dish and can save you time. Just shred it up and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The buffalo sauce gives a mild to moderate heat depending on the brand you choose, but the ranch dressing cools it down nicely. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less sauce to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils, and use buffalo sauce to keep that signature spicy flavor. You’ll still enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

What type of pasta is best for stuffing?

Jumbo pasta shells are ideal because of their size and shape, which hold a generous amount of filling without falling apart. They’re widely available and work perfectly for this recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?

Definitely! Prepare and stuff the shells, then cover and refrigerate the dish for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for planning meals in advance without compromising on taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells enough if you’re searching for a quick, tasty, and crowd-pleasing dish. This Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe brings together spicy, creamy, and cheesy in the best way possible. It’s perfect for busy nights or casual dinner parties that need a little extra wow factor. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite comfort food!

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