Introduction:
Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Shells are a delightful twist on the classic stuffed pasta. Combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy cheese and tender pasta shells, this dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals. Ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
For the Pasta Shells:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Optional Additions:
- Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onions, and celery.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Stuff the Shells:
- Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture. Be generous with the filling but careful not to overstuff.
5. Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Spread 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
6. Add Toppings:
- Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- If using, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and extra buffalo sauce if desired.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Tips for Success:
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy filling.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Make sure the shells are well-drained and cool before stuffing to prevent tearing.
Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Serving Size: 2-3 stuffed shells
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Total Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-120mg
- Sodium: Approximately 1000-1200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Sugars: Approximately 3-4g
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
Recommendation:
Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Shells are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. This dish can also be prepared ahead of time; simply assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate until ready to bake. Enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness of these stuffed shells with family and friends for a truly satisfying meal.
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