Craving something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor? This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a game-changer! Inspired by the fan-favorite wing sauce, this recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food with a bold twist, perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is everything you love about Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous Garlic Parmesan sauce, but in pasta form! It’s indulgent, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can adjust the heat, protein, and veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- Garlic Parmesan sauce (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream
- Fresh Parmesan cheese
- Butter
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below, so don’t worry!
Directions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s magic for the sauce later!
Season and cook the chicken
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce
In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the garlic Parmesan sauce and a splash of heavy cream, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Toss it all together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Add the chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together.
Serve and enjoy
Plate the pasta, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra Garlic Parmesan sauce.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor—it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or even crispy tofu for a fun twist.
- Use your favorite pasta shape—penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work great.
- Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies and flavor.
- If you can’t find Garlic Parmesan sauce, make your own by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of cream.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. Just shred it and toss it in the sauce.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole-wheat pasta to make it a bit lighter. Adding extra veggies can also balance it out.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep the sauce and pasta separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and drying out.
4. What other sauces can I use if I don’t have Garlic Parmesan?
You can substitute Alfredo sauce or even a homemade creamy garlic sauce. For an extra kick, try mixing in a bit of buffalo sauce for a spicy version.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings all the bold, creamy flavors you love right into your kitchen. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and so easy to customize. Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it up for guests, this pasta is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bring the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings home tonight!
Print
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings, combining tender chicken, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and satisfying recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips or cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce (or substitute with a similar sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken in the skillet for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the Garlic Parmesan sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Add Chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet.
- Toss everything together and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg