As I walked into the cozy kitchen, the smell of garlic and Parmesan hit me. It took me right back to my favorite casual dining spot. The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is my comfort food. Today, I’m excited to share how you can make it at home.
This dish is a mix of tender chicken, savory Parmesan, and rich garlic sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds happy. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to share with family and friends.
Key Takeaways
- Delicious fusion of Buffalo Wild Wings’ iconic garlic parmesan flavor and creamy chicken pasta
- Versatile recipe that can be prepared using a crockpot, Instant Pot, or stovetop method
- Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings with family and friends
- Customizable with add-ins like broccoli, additional proteins, or cheese variations
- Creamy, comforting, and satisfying, this dish is sure to become a new household favorite
Introduction to Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings, a favorite wing restaurant. It combines creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta. This mix creates a comforting meal that has become very popular online.
Origins of the Popular Restaurant-Inspired Dish
The recipe’s roots come from Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous sauces and seasonings. By making this dish at home, you can enjoy their signature taste without leaving your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Became a Social Media Sensation
This recipe is loved on social media because it’s easy to make and uses common ingredients. Its creamy texture, bold flavor, and customizability have won over many fans.
Key Features of the Dish
- Creamy, indulgent texture
- Signature garlic parmesan flavor profile
- Versatile dish that can be customized with additional ingredients
- Homemade version of a popular restaurant menu item
If you love Buffalo Wild Wings or just want a tasty pasta dish, this recipe is perfect. It will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Pasta
To make the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you need the right ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast for protein. Choose penne pasta, or other short shapes, to hold the sauce well.
The dish’s flavor comes from Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. This sauce adds a mix of garlic and Parmesan. You’ll also use cream cheese for creaminess and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Chicken broth, butter, and Italian seasoning are also key. Add garlic powder for more garlic taste. Fresh parsley adds freshness as a garnish.
Together, these ingredients make a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
“The secret to this dish is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce coats the pasta and chicken perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.”
The Secret Behind Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The secret to Buffalo Wild Wings’ garlic parmesan sauce is its creamy, flavorful mix. Making it at home lets you pick the ingredients and adjust the taste. This way, you can make it just how you like it.
Store-Bought vs Homemade Sauce Options
For a quick fix, store-bought garlic parmesan sauces work well. But, making it yourself gives a more authentic taste and better ingredients. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for a busy night.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
The Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce is known for its creamy, garlicky, cheesy taste. To get this flavor at home, you’ll need Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Sauce Alternatives and Substitutions
If you can’t find the Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce, don’t worry. You can try other store-bought garlic parmesan wing sauces or make your own with similar ingredients. Both can be great substitutes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken stock, low sodium | 1 1/2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 3 teaspoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
By knowing what makes the Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce special, you can make a homemade version that’s just as good. Or, you can try different store-bought options to find your favorite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is easy and delicious. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds a zesty flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Then, melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. This step keeps the chicken juicy and adds flavor.
- After searing the chicken, add the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Stir until the chicken is well-coated.
- Put cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese in the skillet. Stir until they melt and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook the pasta as the package says, until it’s al dente. Drain it and add it to the skillet, tossing to mix.
- Let the dish simmer for 5-10 more minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken.
Finish by topping the pasta with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy the mix of savory, creamy, and indulgent tastes.
“The key to this dish is the perfect balance of the garlic parmesan sauce and the succulent chicken. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!”
Crockpot Method for Maximum Flavor Development
Crockpot cooking is the secret to achieving mouthwatering flavor in your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. The chicken becomes incredibly tender. The flavors meld together for a truly irresistible dish.
Slow Cooking Benefits
Slow cooking in a crockpot or slow cooker offers several advantages for this recipe:
- Tender, juicy chicken that shreds easily
- Well-developed, harmonious flavors from the sauce and seasonings
- Hands-off cooking that allows you to multitask or relax while the dish simmers to perfection
Time and Temperature Guidelines
For best results, cook the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a crockpot on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process ensures the chicken stays moist and the flavors have time to infuse the entire dish.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the ultimate crockpot version of this recipe, follow these helpful tips:
- Grease the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften during the slow cooking process.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before adding it back to the crockpot with the cooked pasta.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with a splash of milk or pasta cooking water if needed.
With the crockpot method, you can enjoy the bold flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with minimal hands-on effort. The slow cooking ensures maximum flavor development for a truly satisfying dish.
Stovetop Version for Quick Preparation
If you’re looking for a fast meal, try the stovetop Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s ready in 20-30 minutes. It’s great for busy nights or when you want a tasty dish quickly.
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Then, sauté them in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re done. Remove the chicken from the pan once it’s browned.
In the same skillet, mix the garlic parmesan sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let it simmer. Then, add the shredded chicken back into the pan. Let the flavors mix for a few minutes.
Next, add your cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed. Serve hot. Top with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch pieces | 1 pound |
| Small Pasta (e.g., gemelli) | 1 pound |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Garlic Parmesan Sauce (store-bought or homemade) | 3 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped Parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | 1/4-1/2 teaspoon |
The stovetop version is ideal for a quick, tasty meal. It’s easy to make and clean up. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
Customizing Your Pasta with Add-ins and Variations
The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is very versatile. You can change it to fit your taste and dietary needs. You can add more veggies, try different proteins, or mix up the cheese.
For more ideas on balancing flavors in comfort dishes, check out Sweet Potato and Bacon Casserole.
Vegetable Options
To make your pasta healthier and crunchier, add fresh veggies. Here are some good choices:
- Broccoli florets
- Asparagus spears
- Green beans
- Diced bell peppers
- Sautéed mushrooms
Protein Alternatives
While chicken breasts are used in the original recipe, you can use other proteins. Here are some options:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Grilled or sautéed shrimp
- Cubed or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version
- Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
Cheese Combinations
Parmesan cheese is the main attraction, but you can mix it with other cheeses. Try these:
| Cheese | How it Enhances the Dish |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stringy texture. |
| Provolone | Provides a slightly smoky, nutty flavor. |
| Gouda | Lends a rich, buttery taste and smooth, creamy mouthfeel. |
With these simple changes, you can make the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta your own. It will be a hit with your family.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
Making the perfect creamy texture for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is fun. To get a dish that’s smooth and velvety, follow these tips:
- Bring the Cream Cheese to Room Temperature – Let the cream cheese warm up before mixing it into your sauce. This makes it blend smoothly, avoiding lumps.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook your pasta until it’s al dente, still a bit firm. Overcooked pasta can make your dish soggy, ruining the creamy feel.
- Add Pasta Water Gradually – If your sauce is too thick, don’t add more cream or milk. Slowly add the pasta cooking water to get the right consistency. This makes the sauce silky.
- Consider Heavy Cream – For an even creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk or half-and-half. Its high fat content makes the sauce rich and luxurious.
By using these creamy pasta texture and cooking tips, you’ll make a dish that’s as creamy as the Buffalo Wild Wings version. It’s a fan favorite for a reason.
If you’re exploring creamy recipes, you might also enjoy Why Does Sweet Potato Casserole Get Watery?, which dives into tips for avoiding common cooking pitfalls.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best when you store and reheat it right. This keeps your leftovers as tasty and creamy as the first time.
To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, add milk or cream to keep it creamy. You can microwave or heat it on the stovetop, stirring until warm.
Don’t freeze this dish. The cream sauce might separate, ruining the texture and taste. Enjoy your leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste.
Reheating Tips
- Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, to prevent uneven heating.
- Add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to help maintain its creamy consistency.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the pasta up to 1 day in advance and store it separately, drizzled with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken and sauce components in advance, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
- Refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 3-4 days, following the storage guidelines.
| Storage and Reheating | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 3-4 days |
| Freezer Storage | Not recommended |
| Reheating Method | Stovetop or microwave, with a splash of milk or cream |
| Make-Ahead Preparation | Cook pasta in advance, store separately; prepare chicken and sauce components separately |
By following these guidelines, your leftovers storage and reheating pasta will be smooth. This way, you can enjoy the delicious Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired dish for longer.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hit for family meals or quick dinners. It’s loved for its easy recipe, tasty flavor, and flexibility. You can make it in a crockpot, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot.
The dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Garlic Parmesan sauce. The sauce, with garlic, Parmesan, cream, and spices, makes the dish special. It’s easy to follow and can be made for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Looking for a comforting meal or a simple dinner? Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect. Its delicious taste and ease of making make it a favorite at home. It lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your house.
For more inspiration, explore Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken and related variations.