Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines creamy richness with a spicy kick, look no further than Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo. This recipe takes jumbo pasta shells, stuffing them with a flavorful mix of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheeses, all smothered in velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s comfort food elevated — ideal for a family dinner or entertaining friends. The balance of the tangy buffalo heat with the smooth, cheesy Alfredo is irresistible and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo recipe works because it masterfully balances bold flavors with creamy textures. The shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce brings a spicy, tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds. Stuffing that into tender jumbo pasta shells creates a fun, hand-held way to enjoy this flavor combo. Then, smothering everything in Alfredo sauce adds a luscious, buttery creaminess that cools down the heat and ties all the elements together. The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses enhances the texture and flavor depth, making every bite gooey and satisfying. Plus, garnishing with fresh green onions adds a pop of color and freshness, rounding out the dish perfectly.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 20 jumbo pasta shells – These large shells provide the perfect vessel for stuffing the flavorful chicken and cheese filling.
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – Using cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken breast.
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – Adds that signature spicy, tangy flavor. Adjust the amount if you want it milder or hotter.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and a mild tang to the filling, balancing the buffalo heat.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, giving the filling a stretchy, cheesy texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a nutty, savory complexity to both the filling and the Alfredo sauce.
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce – Use store-bought or homemade for rich, creamy coverage. For a twist, try a recipe like Pumpkin Sage Alfredo With Sausage to swap in seasonal flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps to lightly coat the chicken and prevent sticking.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth to the filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds just a touch of heat and complexity.
• Chopped green onions – For garnish, adding freshness and a mild onion flavor.

Must-Have Equipment

• Large pot – For boiling the jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
• Mixing bowls – To combine the chicken, cheese, and seasonings.
• Baking dish – A 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for layering and baking the stuffed shells.
• Spoon or small spatula – For filling the shells easily and neatly.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the dish while baking, preventing the top from drying out.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 12 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and sauce.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

Add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the chicken mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined. This mixture should be creamy and slightly thick, perfect for stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells

Using a spoon or small spatula, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the buffalo chicken and cheese mixture. Place stuffed shells seam side up in your baking dish, arranging them snugly to fit about 20 shells.

Step 5: Add Alfredo Sauce

Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered. This will keep the shells moist and add that signature creamy richness.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy goodness.

Healthier Substitutions

• Swap regular mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat.
• Use a homemade Alfredo sauce with Greek yogurt or cauliflower puree for a lighter creamy sauce.
• Substitute whole wheat jumbo pasta shells for added fiber and nutrients.
• Replace buffalo sauce with a milder hot sauce or a homemade sauce with less sodium.

Author’s Commentary

This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo recipe is a personal favorite for its bold flavors and creamy indulgence. I love how it comes together quickly, especially when using pre-cooked chicken. It’s a great way to spice up classic stuffed shells and bring a fun twist to dinner. I also recommend trying the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups if you enjoy this flavor profile — they’re perfect for parties or appetizers!

Save It for Later

Make sure to bookmark this recipe or save it in your digital recipe box. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to revisit whenever you need a comforting, flavorful meal. Plus, it reheats beautifully for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family who love a little heat with their cheese!

Common Qs About Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble the dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce the buffalo sauce amount or substitute it with a mild wing sauce or even a simple tomato sauce. The dish will still be delicious, just with less heat.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the stuffed shells and store them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or shredded jackfruit tossed in buffalo sauce. This keeps the flavor and texture exciting without meat.

Weekend Projects

• Try your hand at making fresh pasta shells from scratch for an extra-special touch.
• Make a creamy Pumpkin Sage Alfredo With Sausage to experiment with unique sauce flavors.
• Prepare homemade buffalo sauce using simple pantry ingredients to customize the heat level.
• Experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda or fontina for a unique twist on the filling.

Ready, Set, Cook

Gather your ingredients and equipment, and get ready to make a dish that will quickly become a staple. This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, the creamy, cheesy, and spicy combination hits all the right notes. Serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite of this deliciously satisfying dish!

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