Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy comfort all in one, then these Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are your new best friend. This Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe takes the classic pasta shell filled with cheese and chicken to the next level by adding that irresistible kick of buffalo sauce, balanced perfectly with ranch and creamy cheeses. Trust me, once you dive into this spicy, cheesy delight, it’ll quickly become a family favorite and the star of your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe plays a crucial role, creating a perfect harmony of creamy texture, zesty heat, and satisfying heartiness. From the jumbo shells that cradle the filling to the blend of cheeses and buffalo sauce, every element builds layers of flavor and makes the dish truly unforgettable.

• 12 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and hold all the creamy goodness inside.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides the meaty base with protein and a tender texture.
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star ingredient that adds bold, spicy flavor with a tangy kick.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Offers a mild, creamy texture that balances the heat.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy top layer.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds luscious creaminess that brings everything together.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle savory note that deepens the flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Tames the spice with cool, herby richness and balances the buffalo sauce perfectly.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast and pops of bright color for garnish.

How to Make Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking your masterpiece. Meanwhile, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures they have just the right bite and won’t get mushy when baked. Once cooked, carefully drain and set them aside to cool enough for filling.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir these ingredients together until you have a creamy, spicy mixture that’s bursting with flavor. The cream cheese smooths things out, while the buffalo sauce puts the excitement in every bite.

Step 3: Balance the Heat

Fold in the ranch dressing gently. This step is key because it cools down the heat from the buffalo sauce, adding a fresh and herby flavor that transforms this dish from merely spicy to downright addictive.

Step 4: Stuff and Arrange the Shells

Carefully fill each jumbo pasta shell generously with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture. Don’t be shy—each shell should be loaded so every bite bursts with cheesy, spicy goodness. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, spacing them just enough so they bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the filling to heat through, the cheeses to melt perfectly, and all those incredible flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the foil and let it sit for a few minutes before serving—it helps the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Garnishes

Finish your dish by sprinkling extra shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped green onions on top. These garnishes add a delightful pop of color and fresh crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, spicy filling underneath.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, serve your Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious alongside crisp celery sticks or a simple mixed green salad. These sides provide refreshing texture and help cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce, making your meal even more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve these stuffed shells on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra ranch and buffalo sauce for dipping. Or, layer the cooked and stuffed shells in a casserole dish topped with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious if not better than the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells by arranging them in a freezer-safe dish covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, but bake for best texture and even heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack to add different flavors, but keep ricotta or cream cheese for that creamy texture.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The buffalo sauce gives a nice kick, but adding ranch dressing balances the heat so it’s flavorful without overwhelming.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist that keeps all the creaminess intact.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

Poached or rotisserie chicken works great here—just shred it thoroughly to blend well with the other ingredients.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Stuff the shells and keep them covered in the fridge before baking. This is great for busy days and saves you time when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick and flavorful dinners, this Stuffed Shells 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe is a total game changer. The creamy buffalo chicken filling wrapped in tender pasta shells offers a comforting yet exciting meal that’s perfect any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how easy and satisfying it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen.

Print