Buffalo Wild Wings has mastered the art of bold flavors, and one of their most beloved creations is the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and downright irresistible. But what if you could enjoy this mouthwatering dish without having to leave home? That’s exactly what we’re going to do today—break down this fan-favorite recipe so you can make it in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Iconic Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Flavor
Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t just about wings—it’s about sauces. The right sauce can turn a simple dish into something unforgettable, and that’s what makes their menu stand out. Whether you love the fiery heat of their Blazin’ sauce or the rich, buttery smoothness of Garlic Parmesan, each one brings a unique experience to the table.
For a delightful twist on this classic, try our Ultimate Guide to Chicken Alfredo Casserole, which offers a comforting variation rich in flavor.”
The Appeal of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Signature Sauces
What makes BWW’s sauces so special? It’s all about balance. Their flavors are bold without being overwhelming, and they pair well with everything from chicken to fries, burgers, and even pasta.
Here’s the secret: they focus on texture and depth. Their sauces aren’t just one-note; they mix heat, tang, sweetness, or creaminess to create layers of flavor. And that’s exactly why the Garlic Parmesan sauce is such a hit—it’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and it’s perfectly seasoned.
Why Garlic Parmesan is a Fan Favorite
Let’s be real—not everyone loves spicy food. Some people want something flavorful without setting their mouth on fire. Garlic Parmesan delivers that perfect balance:
- Creamy and smooth – It coats the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic-forward – But not overpowering.
- Cheesy goodness – Parmesan brings in a salty, nutty kick.
- Mild but flavorful – Perfect for those who want bold taste without spice.
If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this is the one to make.
Ingredients Breakdown : Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Before we start cooking, let’s get everything we need.
Essential Components for the Perfect Sauce
To nail that creamy, cheesy goodness, you’ll need:
- Heavy cream – This is the base for the rich sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient. Freshly grated is best!
- Garlic – Minced or finely chopped for that bold flavor.
- Butter – Adds smoothness and richness.
- Cream cheese – Thickens the sauce and adds extra creaminess.
- Chicken broth – Adds depth and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
Choosing the Right Pasta and Chicken
The pasta and chicken matter just as much as the sauce.
- Best pasta choices: Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or rotini (anything that holds sauce well).
- Best chicken options: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry them.
- TTo explore more about pasta selections, our guide on The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Alfredo Casserole provides in-depth insights.
Substitutions and Variations
Got dietary restrictions or just want to switch things up? No problem.
- Dairy-free? Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Low-carb? Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Want more protein? Add crispy bacon or grilled shrimp.
Pro Tip: “If you love heat, drizzle in some buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist!”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions : Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Let’s get to the good stuff—cooking!
“Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have all the essentials by consulting our Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese.”
Preparing the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Coat both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook it your way:
- Pan-seared: Heat oil in a skillet, cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Oven-baked: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Grilled: Cook over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side.
- Let it rest: Before slicing, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat until melted.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Stir in cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Season with black pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Chef’s Note: “Don’t let the sauce boil—just let it gently simmer to keep it silky smooth!”
Cooking and Combining the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and toss it with a little butter to prevent sticking.
- Slice the cooked chicken and mix it with the sauce.
- Add pasta and toss everything together.
And that’s it—your homemade Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready to enjoy!
Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop Methods
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s talk about cooking methods. You can make this dish on the stovetop for a quick meal or in a slow cooker for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Each method has its perks, so let’s break it down.
Advantages of Using a Crockpot
If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals, the slow cooker is your best friend. Here’s why:
- Effortless cooking – Just toss everything in, and it does the work.
- Juicier chicken – Cooking low and slow makes the chicken unbelievably tender.
- Flavor infusion – The garlic and parmesan soak into the chicken, making every bite delicious.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place raw, seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and cream cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred or slice it, then stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta.
- Let it sit for a few minutes so the sauce thickens up.
And that’s it—easy, foolproof, and ridiculously flavorful.
Quick Stovetop Alternative for Busy Weeknights
No time to slow cook? No problem! The stovetop version gets dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
- In another pan, make the garlic parmesan sauce (butter, garlic, cream, cheese).
- Toss in the cooked pasta, slice the chicken, and mix everything together.
Time-Saving Tip: “Want an even faster version? Use rotisserie chicken instead!”
Time-Saving Tip: “Want an even faster version? Use rotisserie chicken instead!”
Troubleshooting Common Issues : buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta
Even the best recipes can hit a snag. But don’t worry—I’ve got fixes for the most common problems!
Preventing Sauce Separation
Nothing’s worse than a sauce that looks grainy or oily. If this happens, here’s why:
- Heat was too high – Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a boil.
- Cheese was added too fast – Stir it in gradually so it melts smoothly.
- Too much liquid at once – Add cream slowly, whisking as you go.
Adjusting Consistency and Flavor
Maybe your sauce turned out too thick or too thin. Easy fixes:
- Too thick? Add a splash of warm milk or pasta water to loosen it up.
- Too thin? Let it simmer for a few more minutes, or mix in extra Parmesan cheese.
Want more garlic? A sprinkle of garlic powder does the trick!
Reheating Without Drying Out
Leftovers? Lucky you! But pasta can dry out when reheated. Here’s how to fix that:
- Microwave Method: Add a splash of milk or cream, then heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Stovetop Method: Reheat over low heat with a little butter or broth, stirring constantly.
Pro Tip: “Avoid reheating in the oven—it makes the sauce separate and the pasta dry.”
Serving Suggestions and Pairings : buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta
Now that you’ve got a steaming plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, what should you serve with it?
Complementary Side Dishes
A rich, creamy dish like this pairs well with something light and fresh. Try:
- Garlic bread – Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
- Side salad – A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Roasted veggies – Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts work great.
Beverage Recommendations
Want to complete the meal? Here’s what to sip on:
- White wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess.
- Iced tea – Sweet or unsweet, it’s always refreshing.
- Lemonade – The citrusy kick balances the richness of the pasta.
Fun Fact: “Some people even pair this with a light beer—BWW-style!”
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Let’s be real—this dish is not diet food, but hey, we all deserve a little indulgence.
Calorie Count and Macronutrients
Here’s an estimate per serving:
- Calories: ~700-800 (depends on portion size)
- Protein: 40g (chicken and cheese give it a boost!)
- Carbs: 60g (pasta, of course)
- Fat: 40g (butter, cream, and cheese bring the richness)
Adapting the Recipe for Dietary Restrictions
If you need a lighter or diet-friendly version, here’s what to do:
- Low-carb? Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut milk and vegan parmesan.
- Gluten-free? Choose gluten-free pasta or serve it over rice.
Did You Know? “Save some calories by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half!
Tips for Meal Prep and Storage : buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta
This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep!
Make-Ahead Instructions
If you’re short on time, you can prep the ingredients ahead:
- Cook the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make the sauce and store it separately.
- Boil the pasta and toss it with a little oil so it doesn’t stick.
When you’re ready to eat, just combine and heat!
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm up on the stovetop.
Storage Hack: “Freeze sauce separately so it doesn’t get too thick when reheated!”
Customizing Your Buffalo Wild Wings Experience at Home
Why stop at just one BWW dish? There’s a whole world of saucy goodness to try!
Exploring Other BWW Sauce Flavors
Love this dish but want to switch things up? Try these:
- Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta – Sweet, smoky, and kid-approved.
- Asian Zing Shrimp Pasta – A spicy-sweet twist with shrimp instead of chicken.
- Mango Habanero Chicken Pasta – For those who like it hot!
Creating a Restaurant-Style Atmosphere
Want to make it feel like you’re actually at Buffalo Wild Wings? Here’s how:
- Serve it in big bowls like a restaurant.
- Pair it with crispy fries or wings.
- Put on some sports highlights in the background.
Fun Idea: “Host a ‘BWW Night’ with different sauces and dips!”
FAQs :
What are the ingredients in Parmesan Garlic Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?
It includes Parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Why is Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from black pepper and optional red pepper flakes but isn’t very spicy.
How many calories are in Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta?
Around 700-800 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce keto-friendly?
The sauce itself is keto, but pairing it with pasta isn’t. Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Dig into this creamy Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for the perfect comfort meal!isn’t. Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Conclusion: Savor the Best Homemade Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Recreating Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta at home is easier than ever! With its creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. Whether you choose the stovetop method for a quick meal or let it simmer in the slow cooker for extra tenderness, you’ll enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish packed with rich Parmesan flavor and tender chicken.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried this Buffalo Wild Wings copycat recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Share your favorite variations or ask any questions—we’d love to hear from you! And if you’re a fan of restaurant-style meals at home, don’t forget to bookmark this page or share it with fellow food lovers.
Looking for more easy and delicious pasta recipes? Browse our site for more copycat recipes and comfort food classics that bring your favorite flavors to your table!
➡ Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, recipe discussions, and more!