BUFFALO WILD WINGS GARLIC PARMESAN ULTIMATE

Craving that creamy, garlicky goodness of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta but don’t want to leave the house? Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a rich and savory sauce, with tender chicken pieces in every bite. With this recipe, you can bring that restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, and I promise, it’s easier than you think!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
• Water, for boiling
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan is salty, so go easy on the salt.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Secrets to the BEST Garlic Parmesan Sauce

We all want that restaurant-quality sauce, right? Here are my insider tips for taking your Garlic Parmesan sauce to the next level:

• Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin your entire sauce. Keep the heat at medium and watch it closely.
• Pasta Water Magic: That starchy pasta water is a secret weapon. It helps thicken the sauce and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.
• Adjust the Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add more pasta water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Variations and Tweaks: Make It Your Own!

This recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken or sauce for extra heat.
• Add Veggies: Sauté some mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for added flavor and nutrients.
• Protein Power: Substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken.
• Cream Cheese Boost: Add 2 oz of cream cheese with the heavy cream for an even richer and creamier sauce. Make sure the cream cheese is softened!
• Lemon Zest: Zest one lemon over the pasta at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that complements the garlic parmesan flavor perfectly.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are healthy and easy to prepare.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s how to handle some common problems:

• Sauce is Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce it. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add more pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Cooking it in batches helps prevent it from drying out. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet at the end to keep it moist.
• Pasta is Sticky: Be sure to use enough water when cooking the pasta and stir it frequently to prevent it from sticking together. Rinsing the pasta after draining can also help.

More Pasta Inspiration: Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a pasta fanatic like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Try this Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Pasta Ultimate recipe for another take on this favorite dish.
• For a simpler version, explore this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe.
• Looking for a slow-cooker option? Check out this Crock Pot Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.
• Don’t forget to try this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Amazing.
• Consider this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ultimate.
• Or enjoy this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Storage and Reheating: Make It Ahead!

This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, but you can definitely store leftovers for later. Here’s how:

• Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the skillet to keep the pasta from drying out.

Get Ready to Dig In!

So there you have it – a step-by-step guide to recreating that amazing Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta right in your own kitchen! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ultimate

Recreate the creamy, garlicky goodness of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta at home. This recipe guides you through making perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich and savory sauce, with tender chicken pieces in every bite, promising restaurant-quality flavor made easy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta fettuccine or linguine recommended
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large Skillet
• Large pot
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning. Set aside.
4. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
6. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
7. Drain the pasta and set aside.
8. In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
10. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
11. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
12. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
13. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan is salty, so go easy on the salt.
14. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
15. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
16. Stir in the chopped parsley.
17. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For the best garlic parmesan sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and avoid burning the garlic. Use pasta water to thicken the sauce and add a glossy finish. Spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce, add veggies like mushrooms or spinach, or substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken. Add 2 oz of softened cream cheese for a richer sauce or lemon zest for a bright flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent drying out.