buffalo chicken stuffed shells

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delicious twist on a classic favorite! packed with savory chicken and creamy ricotta,these tasty treats will have your taste buds dancing and your friends asking for more. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your life!

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Ready to make some mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells? Here’s what you’ll need! These ingredients come together to create a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in.

• 1 pound ground chicken: This protein is the star of the show, bringing flavor and heartiness.
• ¼ cup butter: Adds richness to our chicken mixture.
• 1 cup cayenne pepper sauce (like Frank’s RedHot®): The key ingredient for that classic buffalo flavor.
• 1 (16 ounce) container whipped ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness balances the heat.
• Cooking spray: Just a little to keep things from sticking in the baking dish.
• 1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vehicle for our delicious stuffing.
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend: This melty topping adds a delightful finish.
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste: These seasonings elevate all the flavors in the dish.

When you have these ingredients ready, we’ll be on our way to creating a dish that’s not only flavorful but also fun to eat. Who doesn’t love stuffed pasta, especially when it’s loaded with buffalo chicken goodness? gather everything, and let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Buffalo Chicken stuffed Shells

Let’s dive into the cooking process of these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will leave everyone wanting more!

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground chicken. Cook and stir until it’s browned and crumbly, around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

1. Add Flavor: Lower the heat and melt the butter in the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the cayenne pepper sauce with the cooked chicken. This will infuse your mixture with that iconic buffalo flavor.Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

1. Mix with Ricotta: Squeeze out any excess moisture from the ricotta cheese using cheesecloth or paper towels.In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta with the chicken mixture. Give it a good stir, and then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let those flavors meld.

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to keep things from sticking.

1. Cook the Jumbo Shells: In a pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until thay’re al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them down.

1. Stuff the Shells: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each cooked shell and place them in the prepared baking dish. Top with the Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend, and season with salt and pepper.

1. Bake: Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated thru.

And there you have it! These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and get ready for a delicious experience.

Serving and Storage Data for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

once your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells are baked to perfection, it’s time to think about serving and storing these delightful creations. This dish is not only perfect for feeding a crowd but also makes for great leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these stuffed shells hot from the oven, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.Pair them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to complement the buffalo flavors. You can also add a fresh salad on the side to balance out the richness of the dish. For gatherings, consider using a large serving platter to display the stuffed shells, making it easy for guests to help themselves.

storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), you can store them effectively. Allow the stuffed shells to cool fully before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.If you’d like to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. To do this, arrange the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat,you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to your baking time.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells fresh and flavorful, whether it’s on game day or a cozy dinner at home!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

Making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells is straightforward, but sometimes things can go a bit off track. Here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing.

Recipe Notes

• Ricotta Cheese: If you want a creamier filling, you can replace the whipped ricotta with cream cheese for a richer texture. Just be sure to soften it beforehand for easy mixing.
• Spice Level: the cayenne pepper sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more. For a milder version, you can mix in some mild hot sauce or reduce the amount of cayenne.
• Pasta Shells: If jumbo shells are hard to find,you can use manicotti instead.They both hold the filling well and will work perfectly!

Troubleshooting Tips

• Stuffing Sticking: If you find your stuffed shells are sticking together, consider lightly coating them with a bit of cooking spray before filling them.
• Dry Filling: If your filling feels dry after chilling, a splash of chicken broth can help moisten it up. Just stir it in until you reach the desired consistency.
• Uneven Baking: If you notice one side of the dish is browning more then the other, rotate the baking dish halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.

With these notes and troubleshooting tips, making your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells should be a breeze! Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results!