Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish full of bold flavors. Imagine tender chicken, garlic, and parmesan all mixed into a rich, satisfying pasta. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this is a recipe everyone in your family will love. Let’s dive right into it!
What Makes Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Special?
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines two amazing things: Buffalo Wild Wings’ Garlic Parmesan Sauce and hearty pasta. It’s creamy, a little garlicky, and packed with rich, cheesy flavor. The tangy garlic parmesan sauce adds a kick that makes it unique. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make—perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s why this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a must-try:
- Easy to Prepare: Uses simple ingredients you already have.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are loved by both kids and adults.
- Quick Cook Time: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan delivers an irresistible taste.
- Versatile: You can add vegetables or spice it up to suit your preferences.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, rich, and creamy—perfect for those cozy nights at home.
Ingredients for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: Use skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Buffalo Wild Wings style sauce.
- Pasta: Rotini, penne, or fettuccine—choose your favorite!
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can use jarred.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and adding extra flavor.
Seasonings
- Italian Herbs: To add a flavorful touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for some added heat.
Optional Add-Ins
- Broccoli: For some green goodness.
- Red Chilies: If you like a bit of heat.
- Spinach: For added nutrition and color.
- Mushrooms: Adds a meaty, earthy flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and crunch.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 pieces |
Garlic Parmesan Sauce | 1 cup |
Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
Butter | 2 tbsp |
Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup grated |
Rotini or Penne Pasta | 8 oz |
Minced Garlic | 3 cloves |
Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp |
Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Broccoli (Optional) | 1 cup |
Red Chilies (Optional) | 1-2 pieces |
Spinach (Optional) | 1 cup |
Bell Peppers (Optional) | 1 cup sliced |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Let’s walk through how to make this delicious Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish step-by-step. This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is simple, but taking it step-by-step helps ensure you get the best results.
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil 8 ounces of pasta (rotini or penne) in salted water. Follow the package instructions to cook it until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove from skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until it begins to simmer.
- Add the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and 1 cup of grated parmesan.
- Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- For extra creaminess, you can add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta.
- Toss in optional veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers if using. Let them cook in the sauce for a few minutes until tender.
- Let everything simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors and ensure all the ingredients are heated through.
- Make sure everything is well-coated with the sauce for a rich taste.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit more parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy your garlic parmesan chicken pasta!
- Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to make sure your pasta comes out perfect every time? Here are some tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parmesan cheese make all the difference in the final flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta until al dente keeps it from getting too soft and mushy.
- Season as You Go: Make sure to season the chicken and the sauce for maximum flavor at every step.
- Add Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess: This gives the sauce a thicker, richer texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Use Low Heat for the Sauce: To prevent the cream from curdling, cook it over low to medium heat and stir constantly.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a bit of pasta water helps adjust the consistency of the sauce and makes it stick better to the pasta.
Variations and Add-Ons
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is amazing as is, but you can always switch things up to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also add extra veggies to make it a more complete and nutritious dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sliced red chilies for a bit of heat that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for extra nutrition, color, and texture.
- Protein Swap: You could also make this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish with shrimp for a seafood twist or boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Herb Variation: Use fresh basil or oregano in addition to Italian herbs to add more herbaceous flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta stores well and tastes just as good the next day.
- Storage: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the dairy-based sauce can separate and lose its creamy consistency. However, you can still freeze it for up to 1 month if needed. Make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or heavy cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir until it reaches the desired consistency without becoming too thick or oily. You can also microwave it, but use low power to avoid drying it out.
- Prevent Dryness: Adding a small amount of butter or olive oil while reheating can help keep the pasta from drying out.
Storage Method | Time Frame |
Refrigerator (Airtight) | Up to 3 days |
Freezer | Up to 1 month |
FAQ: Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! You can use penne, rotini, fettuccine, or any short pasta you like. Each type will hold the creamy sauce differently, so try a few to find your favorite. Long pasta like spaghetti also works great with this rich sauce. You can even use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
2. What If I Don’t Have Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
You can make a homemade garlic parmesan sauce using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. It won’t be exactly like Buffalo Wild Wings, but it will still be delicious! You can also add a bit of Italian seasoning and lemon juice for an extra flavor boost.
3. How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Separating?
- Use room temperature ingredients.
- Cook over low heat and stir constantly.
- Add the cream gradually to prevent curdling, and make sure to use low heat throughout.
- Avoid Boiling: High heat can cause the cream to separate, so keep it at a gentle simmer.
4. Can I Make This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make a slow cooker version of this dish. Cook the chicken, garlic, and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir to combine. This method is great for busy days when you want to set it and forget it.
5. Can I Make This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Dish in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make this in an Instant Pot:
- Sauté the chicken using the sauté function until browned.
- Add all sauce ingredients and pasta, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Release the pressure and stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
Side Dish Pairings
This pasta is rich, so a light side dish works best. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce. The buttery, garlicky bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. Arugula or baby spinach with some cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add some freshness to the meal and help balance out the rich sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Try roasted bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or brussels sprouts for an extra burst of flavor and a nice, caramelized texture.
- Caprese Salad: A caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes for a light and bright accompaniment.
Side Dish | Why It Works |
Garlic Bread | Soaks up the rich sauce |
Green Salad | Adds freshness |
Steamed Vegetables | Balances richness |
Roasted Veggies | Adds flavor contrast |
Caprese Salad | Bright and refreshing |
Nutrition Information About Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
Nutrient | Per Serving |
Calories | 650 |
Protein | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Fat | 28g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 3g |
Sodium | 780mg |
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is rich in protein and has a good balance of carbohydrates and fats. You can adjust the ingredients to make it more calorie-friendly by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reducing the amount of butter. You could also use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, garlicky, and cheesy—everything you want in a weeknight meal. Whether you’re making it for your family or just for yourself, it’s sure to be a hit.
This dish is also super versatile. You can tweak it to suit your tastes—add some heat, throw in extra veggies, or make it extra cheesy. You could even swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or Italian sausage to make it your own. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe so wonderful.
This pasta is also great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just make sure to store it properly to maintain its delicious creamy consistency.
Another great aspect of this dish is that it’s crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy dinner for two, everyone will love the bold flavors and creamy texture of this pasta. It pairs well with many different side dishes, making it a versatile and reliable option for any occasion.
Give It a Try!
Have you tried making this garlic parmesan chicken pasta? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Let us know in the comments below and share your favorite tweaks. Happy cooking!
And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making dishes your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make adjustments based on what you love. We hope this dish becomes one of your family favorites just like it is for many others. Enjoy every bite!