Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Tangy Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Wings meet creamy comfort in this garlic parmesan chicken pasta sensation that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy chicken chunks mingle with a velvety sauce that whispers pure deliciousness.

Restaurants can’t compete with this homemade masterpiece crafted right in your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with bold flavors and minimal effort.

pasta lovers will swoon over the perfect balance of zesty garlic and rich parmesan.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become your new go-to meal.

You won’t be able to resist making this irresistible pasta again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality pasta without complicated steps, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seared chicken that delivers restaurant-inspired taste right in your own kitchen, satisfying multiple flavor cravings simultaneously.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to adjust spice levels, swap protein, or add vegetables, making it an incredibly flexible dinner option for different dietary preferences and picky eaters.
  • Restaurant-Inspired Simplicity: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment, enabling even novice cooks to create a gourmet-style pasta dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the base for the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
Sauce Components:
  • Garlic Parmesan Sauce, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy blend that creates rich, tangy flavor profile, choose high-quality cheese for best results.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance chicken's taste, fresher spices provide more vibrant flavor.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide cooking fat and depth of flavor, use unsalted butter for better control of dish's saltiness.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the dish, choose pasta shape that holds sauce well like penne or rotini.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and light flavor contrast, optional but recommended for visual appeal.

Pasta Prep Steps

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Sprinkle chicken with zesty seasonings including garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Create a golden crust by searing chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until perfectly cooked.

Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, gently melt butter.

Introduce minced garlic and dance it around for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.

Pour in Garlic Parmesan sauce, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, stirring occasionally, until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened liquid.

Step 3: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Slide cooked pasta into the skillet, twirling and coating every strand with the velvety sauce.

Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, adjusting the sauce’s consistency to silky perfection.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken and Pasta

Slice the previously cooked chicken into tantalizing strips.

Reintroduce chicken to the pasta, gently tossing everything together.

Warm the dish for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Shower with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while piping hot and irresistibly fragrant.

Buffalo Pasta Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Slice chicken diagonally and against the grain to retain moisture and ensure tender, juicy pieces in every bite.
  • Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too thick or too thin.
  • Toast minced garlic briefly in butter to release its aromatic oils and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce when mixed, preventing mushy or overcooked noodles.
  • Remove skillet from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.

Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Last

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping pasta and chicken fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Companions

  • Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce and cut through the dish's heaviness.
  • Beer Companion: Reach for a light wheat beer or blonde ale that balances the pasta's robust flavors without overwhelming the delicate garlic notes.
  • Side Salad Sync: Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast against the creamy pasta's richness.
  • Bread Buddy: Serve warm garlic breadsticks or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the extra sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Easy Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta noodles and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu or seitan, maintaining the same seasoning profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy sauce intact.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and select dairy-free butter alternatives to create a similar flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The garlic Parmesan sauce is mild and creamy, without significant heat. The spice level comes from light paprika, which adds subtle warmth without making the dish hot.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?

Both work perfectly. Chicken breasts provide leaner meat, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.

  • What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are ideal for this recipe. They hold the creamy sauce well and provide excellent texture. Choose a pasta with good surface area to catch all the delicious sauce.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers during the final tossing stage. These boost nutrition without changing the core flavor profile of the Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired pasta.

Print
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Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers classic Buffalo Wild Wings flavor straight to home kitchens. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and parmesan cheese create a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into strips or cubes

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Dairy Components:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce (or substitute with a similar sauce)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or fettuccine pasta, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • Chopped parsley
  • Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Transform tender chicken breasts into a delectable centerpiece by generously coating with aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, and a delicate blend of salt and pepper.
  2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil, creating a sizzling canvas for your protein. Sear the seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops and the interior reaches perfect doneness.
  3. Transfer the expertly cooked chicken to a waiting plate, preserving its succulence while preparing the luxurious sauce.
  4. Utilize the same skillet to craft a velvety sauce, melting butter and introducing minced garlic. Allow the aromatics to dance and release their intense fragrance for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Introduce the Garlic Parmesan sauce, luscious heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer, stirring periodically, until it thickens into a silky embrace.
  6. Fold in the pre-cooked pasta, ensuring each strand becomes enrobed in the creamy sauce. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal consistency.
  7. Slice the rested chicken into elegant medallions and reunite them with the pasta. Gently toss to distribute heat and flavors evenly.
  8. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to capture the peak of culinary perfection.

Notes

  • Customize the seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Italian herbs or Cajun mix for a flavor twist.
  • Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic taste and smoother sauce texture.
  • Prevent pasta from becoming too dry by reserving pasta water, which helps create a silky, clingy sauce consistency.
  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on personal preference for moisture and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 783
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1045 mg
  • Fat: 43 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 158 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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