BUFFALO WILD WINGS GARLIC PARMESAN AMAZING

I still remember the roar of the crowd, the flashing lights, and the incredible aroma wafting from the Buffalo Wild Wings kitchen that one fateful night; my best friend, reeling from a big win, insisted we celebrate with their legendary wings and, on a whim, a bowl of their now-discontinued, but never-forgotten, Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness, and I’m so excited to share my perfected recipe with you, promising a dish that will have you cheering for more after every single bite.

Recreating a Legend: Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta at Home

Let’s be honest, sometimes the craving for a specific restaurant dish hits hard. And when that craving is for the now-departed Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you have two choices: wallow in nostalgic sadness or take matters into your own hands. I choose the latter, and I’m here to guide you through crafting a copycat version that might just be better than the original. Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a culinary adventure into flavor town!

Why This Recipe Works

Okay, so what makes this particular recipe stand out? It’s all about balance. We’re aiming for that perfect harmony of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy notes, with a hint of savory chicken to round it all out. The key is using high-quality ingredients and building the flavor profile in layers. We’re not just throwing things into a pot; we’re creating a symphony of taste.

• The Sauce: This isn’t your average Alfredo. We’re infusing garlic into the cream, using Parmesan (the real stuff!), and adding a touch of chicken broth for depth.
• The Chicken: Perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are crucial. We’re not settling for bland, dry chicken here.
• The Pasta: The right pasta shape is important. We want something that will grab onto that luscious sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Remember, quality matters! Don’t skimp on the Parmesan, and use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for pasta water
• For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to guide you through any potential pitfalls.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. This is where the flavor party starts!
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will be dry.
3. Rest and Slice: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so you want the pasta to be slightly firm, not mushy.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta unless you’re making a cold pasta salad; the starch helps the sauce cling to it.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it; those chicken bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.
2. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to develop a richer consistency.
4. Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth. Adding the Parmesan off the heat prevents it from clumping.
5. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, because why not?

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta

Now that you know the basic steps, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to elevate your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the next level.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: I cannot stress this enough. Dry chicken is sad chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan has a richer flavor and melts like a dream.
• Adjust the Garlic to Your Liking: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount slightly.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. This adds a touch of heat that complements the creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about cooking is the ability to customize recipes to your own tastes. Here are some variations and adaptations you can try with this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, and add them to the pasta along with the chicken.
• Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture to the pasta.
• Make it Creamier: Add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are delicious side dishes that add some extra nutrients to your meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the creamy pasta.

Other Pasta Dishes to Explore

If you’re a pasta fanatic like me, here are some other delicious pasta recipes you might enjoy. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and is sure to satisfy your cravings.

First up, we have Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a rich and decadent dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Then there’s Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, which combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of pasta. For a fun and interactive meal, try Garlic Bread Spaghetti Bowls, where spaghetti is served in a hollowed-out loaf of garlic bread. If you’re a fan of savory flavors, you’ll love Garlic Beef Pasta, which features tender beef and a flavorful garlic sauce. And of course, we can’t forget about the classic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Finally, for a dish that’s similar to this Buffalo Wild Wings recipe, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I bet you can’t choose just one!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best cooks encounter occasional mishaps. Here are some common issues you might encounter while making this recipe and how to fix them.

• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a little bit of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the correct temperature. You can also brine the chicken before cooking it to help it retain moisture.
• Garlic is Burnt: Start over with fresh garlic and lower the heat. Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the sauce.
• Parmesan is Clumping: Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese. Stir it in gently until it is melted and smooth.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the pasta for a few minutes, or reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my take on the legendary Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. While it might not be exactly the same as the restaurant version (restaurants have secret ingredients, after all!), I’m confident that this recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this dish. Happy cooking!

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Recreate the discontinued Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta at home with this copycat recipe. This creamy, garlicky, and cheesy pasta dish features perfectly seasoned chicken and a rich Parmesan sauce, promising a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large Skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through (165°F).
3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
6. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
7. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
8. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
9. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
11. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best results. Adjust the garlic to your liking. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat.