Description: Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken and cheesesteak-inspired filling, baked to golden perfection. This dish combines comfort food with a kick, offering a unique and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color, red or green works well)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the shells will bake evenly and the cheese will melt beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente – slightly firm to the bite – as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells thoroughly and gently toss with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the filling. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesesteak Base. In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until they are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so keep a close eye on it.
Step 4: Introduce the Chicken. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy final product. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the buffalo sauce will also add salt, so taste as you go.
Step 5: Buffalo Cream Cheese Mixture: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the buffalo sauce and softened cream cheese until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. The cream cheese adds richness and helps bind the filling together. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the buffalo chicken mixture to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when stuffing the shells.
Step 6: Assembling the Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled buffalo chicken mixture with the blue cheese crumbles (if using) and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup). Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. The blue cheese adds a tangy, sharp contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, while the mozzarella adds a creamy, cheesy element.
Step 7: Stuffing the Shells. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the buffalo chicken mixture. Use a spoon or your fingers to ensure the shells are generously filled.
Step 8: Arrange the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish. Make sure the shells are arranged in a single layer to allow for even baking.
Step 9: Add the Cheeses. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup) evenly over the stuffed shells. This will create a delicious, melty cheese topping.
Step 10: Bake. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Covering the dish with foil prevents the shells from drying out and allows the filling to heat through evenly.
Step 11: Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the shells during this final stage to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Unique Flavor Combination: It’s a delightful fusion of two comfort food classics: buffalo chicken wings and a Philly cheesesteak, all wrapped up in a comforting pasta shell. The combination of the spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cream cheese, tangy blue cheese (if using), and savory ground chicken creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by using different types of buffalo sauce. Add more or less blue cheese depending on your preference. You can also substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s visually appealing and always a hit with both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Satisfying: It’s a hearty and filling meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. The cheesy, creamy, and spicy flavors are incredibly comforting.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad. A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will balance the richness of the shells.
- Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side of coleslaw.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Shells: Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked shells can become mushy.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Use your favorite buffalo sauce, and adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the buffalo sauce. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don’t Overfill the Shells: Overfilling the shells can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Spray the Baking Dish: Lightly greasing the baking dish will prevent the shells from sticking.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled vegetarian “meat” or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes to the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion size)
- Calories: 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-40g per serving
- Sodium: 600-800mg per serving
Conclusion:
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells are a creative and delicious way to combine the best of both worlds. The easy-to-follow recipe, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavor make this dish a guaranteed success. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a fun dish to bring to a party, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable culinary experience!
Questions and Answers about the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells:
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken?
A: Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that will save you some time. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones before shredding the chicken. Rotisserie chicken also adds a slightly different flavor profile, which some people might prefer.
Q2: I don’t like blue cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Of course! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily substitute it with something else. Some great alternatives include:
- Ranch dressing: Stirring in a few tablespoons of ranch dressing into the buffalo chicken mixture will add a creamy, tangy flavor similar to blue cheese.
- Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan will add a salty, umami flavor to the filling.
- Omit it entirely: If you prefer, you can simply leave out the blue cheese altogether. The shells will still be delicious with the buffalo chicken and mozzarella.
Q3: Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these stuffed shells ahead of time! This is a great option if you’re short on time or planning a party. Simply prepare the filling, stuff the shells, and arrange them in a baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Q4: Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
A: Yes, you can freeze these stuffed shells for longer storage. To freeze them, prepare the filling and stuff the shells as directed in the recipe. Arrange the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe baking dish in a single layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Q5: How can I make these spicier?
A: If you want to kick up the heat, there are several ways to make these stuffed shells spicier:
- Use a hotter buffalo sauce: Experiment with different brands and heat levels of buffalo sauce to find one that suits your taste.
- Add cayenne pepper: Stir a pinch or two of cayenne pepper into the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Include diced jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for a fresh, spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
- Drizzle with hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the stuffed shells before serving.
- Use pepper jack cheese: Substitute some or all of the mozzarella cheese with pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of spice.
