Craving that irresistible combination of garlic parmesan sauce and juicy chicken found at Buffalo Wild Wings? This homemade version of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings all the flavors you love right to your kitchen. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe pairs creamy sauce with tender pasta and grilled chicken, making it a family favorite. Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to match your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just delicious, but it’s also:
- Made with simple ingredients you can easily find in your pantry.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it with different pastas, proteins, or toppings.
- Perfect for those who enjoy rich, creamy dishes, especially if you’re a fan of comfort foods like zucchini bread or orange chicken.
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for something to balance the richness of this pasta, a lighter dessert like lemon zucchini bread would make a perfect pairing. Its citrusy flavors can cleanse your palate after the savory main course.
Ingredients for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To recreate this flavorful dish at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Grilled or pan-seared for tender, juicy bites.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The key ingredient that packs the most flavor.
- Penne pasta: Or any other short pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or farfalle.
- Butter and cream cheese: Essential for creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For grilling the chicken.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to enhance the sauce’s nuttiness.
- Seasoning blend: To give your chicken the perfect kick.
If you’re a fan of comfort foods, consider pairing this pasta with a decadent dessert like peanut butter fudge cake to complete your meal.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Buffalo Wild Wings Style)
1. Cook the Chicken
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cubes and season them with your favorite spice blend.
- Heat olive oil in a pan or preheat your grill and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring that it’s tender and juicy inside while slightly crisp on the outside for extra texture.
2. Prepare the Pasta
- In a large pot, cook your penne pasta in salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
- If you’re using a different pasta type like farfalle or ziti, follow the package instructions for cooking time, but be sure not to overcook the pasta, as this could affect how well it holds up in the creamy sauce.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter and cream cheese over medium heat until fully combined. Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.
- Once the sauce thickens, add freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. The cheese will add a slightly nutty flavor that balances the creamy garlic sauce perfectly.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your preference, adding more or less depending on how creamy you want the dish.
- Finally, mix in the grilled chicken and give everything a good stir before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan for a finishing touch.
Nutritional Information for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
While this dish is rich and indulgent, it’s always helpful to know the nutritional breakdown. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 516
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
For those looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, consider reducing the amount of heavy cream or opting for low-fat alternatives like light cream cheese. You can also balance the richness of the dish by serving it with a simple salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
If you’re wondering how ingredient choices affect texture and flavor, such as in baked goods, check out why some peanut butter fudge turns out dry and how to avoid similar issues in your cooking.
Recipe Variations for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
One of the best things about this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can tweak the recipe:
- Different Pasta: Swap out penne for farfalle, ziti, or even fettuccine if you prefer longer noodles.
- Substitute Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, or try shrimp or even grilled tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to create a satisfying meatless meal.
- Additional Seasonings: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the sauce to give it a bit of a kick.
For another savory and comforting meal, you could also try pairing this dish with orange chicken stir-fry with rice, which features a different kind of sweet and savory flavor.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it for a quick meal. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To complement the rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, serve it with:
- Garlic bread or cheddar bay biscuits to mop up the extra sauce.
- A crisp Caesar salad or a light house salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the pasta.
- For a delightful finish, consider a tangy dessert like lemon bars or citrus sorbet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Where can I buy Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
You can find this sauce at most grocery stores or order it online from various retailers.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any short pasta like farfalle, ziti, or even long noodles like fettuccine.
What sides go well with garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Aside from garlic bread, you can serve a refreshing salad, or even try pairing it with sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus to add some greens to the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe allows you to recreate the flavors you love right at home. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or prepping it for lunch, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness, and don’t forget to try out some of the other great recipes mentioned, like peanut butter fudge cake or orange chicken with stir-fry rice, to expand your culinary repertoire!