Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe uses Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce, chicken breast, heavy whipping cream, grated parmesan, cream cheese, and pasta. This dish is creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and delicious.

The sauce has a garlicky flavor with a hint of heat, and it is often paired with chicken and pasta to create a flavorful meal. Variations of the recipe may use almond milk or light cream cheese to adjust the richness of the sauce. People often cook this dish in a slow cooker or crockpot for convenience.

Ingredients 

Chicken breasts: I chose boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the main protein. I diced them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. 

Buffalo Wild Wings sauce: This signature sauce packs incredible flavor! It gave the dish its famous garlicky, parmesan taste with just a hint of heat. 

Heavy whipping cream: For richness, I added some heavy cream. Next time I may try unsweetened almond milk as a lighter option. 

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese played a big role. It contributed that awesome salty, nutty characteristic to the sauce and as a topper.

Cream cheese: I blended in some cream cheese to take the sauce’s texture to another level. It made everything so smooth and brought an extra tangy dimension.

Penne pasta: As for the pasta, I chose penne. Its tube shape held the thick sauce really well. Other short pasta shapes would work too.

I combined all these components to create the comforting meal. The flavors blended beautifully thanks to each unique ingredient. 

How I Made Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat off the chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper.Preheat your grill or a griddle pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy.

Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 12 oz short pasta (such as penne or rotini) to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce if needed.

Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter (optional, to enhance the richness) and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until smooth. Once the cream cheese is melted and smooth, add 1/2 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version), and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy and lush. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the grilled chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces.Add the sliced chicken to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the garlic parmesan sauce.

Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in bowls, and garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.

Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips 

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and creaminess, always use freshly grated parmesan. Pre-grated parmesan can have additives that affect the texture and taste of the sauce.

Cook the Chicken in Batches: If your pan is too small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill or pan. This will ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken.

Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, add a tablespoon of pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor: To make the dish more balanced, try adding sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms into the sauce. The vegetables will complement the creamy sauce and add color.

Variations of the Recipe:

Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute vegan cream cheese and vegan parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce to give the dish a spicy twist.

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great option for this pasta.

Buffalo Flavor: For an extra spicy buffalo flavor, stir in hot sauce or use Buffalo Wild Wings’ Buffalo sauce instead of the garlic parmesan sauce.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of garlic parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta sauce that will leave you wanting more.

Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to make, with minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner.

Grilled Chicken: The grilled chicken adds an extra layer of flavor and juiciness, elevating this pasta dish to the next level.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.

Pair with a crisp green salad or a light vegetable side to balance the richness of the pasta.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Freeze: You can freeze the pasta, but note that the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. To freeze, store in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 months.

FAQs 

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta, such as rotini, fettuccine, or penne. Just be sure to cook it al dente.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the pasta when ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought garlic parmesan sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce, you can use any store-bought garlic parmesan sauce or make your own with garlic, parmesan, and butter.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even turkey as a protein substitute.

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