Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by the popular restaurant sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious homemade meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this fan-favorite dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

What Do You Need to Make It?

Chicken

Use chicken that’s boneless and skinless, like chicken breasts or thighs. These are soft and easy to cook. To make it extra tasty:

  • Marinate the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Pasta

Pick pasta that holds the sauce well, like:

  • Fettuccine (long and flat)
  • Penne (short tubes)
  • Rigatoni (big tubes)

Garlic Parmesan Sauce Ingredients

  • Butter: Makes the sauce creamy.
  • Garlic: Adds yummy flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Makes the sauce cheesy and rich.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes it smooth and thick.
  • Seasonings: Use salt, pepper, and Italian spices to taste.

Extras You Can Add

If you want to make the dish even better, you can add:

  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • A little spicy red pepper flakes
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

How to Get the Chicken Ready

First, marinate the chicken so it soaks up all the flavors:

  • Mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Let the chicken sit in this mix for at least 30 minutes.

Now, you can cook the chicken by:

  • Grilling: For a smoky taste.
  • Pan-frying: Makes it crispy outside and juicy inside.
  • Baking: Easy and hands-off.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, but it’s super simple:

  1. Melt some butter in a pan.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook it until it smells really good.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese bit by bit, stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and some Italian spices.
Tip: If the sauce feels too thin, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in.

How to Cook Pasta the Right Way

Cooking pasta is easy if you follow these steps:

  1. Fill a big pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
  2. Boil the water and then add your pasta.
  3. Cook it for the time mentioned on the pasta box (usually 8–12 minutes) to keep it firm and not mushy.
  4. Save a little of the pasta water before you drain it—this can help make your sauce even better.

How to Put Everything Together

Now comes the fun part:

  1. Mix the cooked pasta with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
  2. Slice the chicken into small pieces and stir it in.
  3. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for extra flavor.

What Tools Do You Need?

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

  • A big pot for boiling pasta
  • A frying pan for cooking the chicken
  • A whisk for mixing the sauce
  • A knife for cutting the chicken

Easy Steps to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Let’s make this yummy pasta step by step! With these clear instructions and some helpful tips, you’ll create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First, let’s get started with the chicken:

  1. Take your chicken out of the fridge. Remember, it’s already marinated with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Next, heat a pan on medium heat and add a little oil.
  3. Then, place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked.
  4. After that, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. Finally, cut it into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Now that the chicken is ready, it’s time to move on to the pasta:

  1. First, fill a big pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
  2. Next, bring the water to a boil, then add your pasta.
  3. After adding the pasta, cook it for about 8–12 minutes. Be sure to check the box for the exact time to make it perfect.
  4. Before draining, save a little water from the pot. This will help make the sauce even better. Finally, drain the rest of the water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now, let’s prepare the sauce. It’s the heart of this dish, so follow these steps carefully:

  1. First, in a small pan, melt some butter on medium heat.
  2. Then, add minced garlic and stir it for 1–2 minutes until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it!
  3. After that, slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
  4. Next, add Parmesan cheese bit by bit, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  5. Then, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and Italian spices to boost the flavor.
  6. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add a little of the pasta water you saved earlier.

Step 4: Mix It All

Finally, it’s time to put everything together:

  1. First, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
  2. Then, gently stir so the sauce coats all the pasta evenly.
  3. Next, add the sliced chicken to the pasta and mix everything.
  4. Lastly, let it cook for 1–2 minutes to make sure it’s all warm and ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

At this point, your pasta is ready to serve:

  1. To finish, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and parsley (if you have it) on top.
  2. Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, and enjoy your delicious homemade dish!

How to Serve, Store, and Stay Healthy with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Let’s learn how to serve your pasta in a fancy way, keep it fresh, and make it a little healthier. It’s all super simple!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Make It Look Fancy

  1. Put the pasta on a big plate or in a pretty bowl.
  2. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and a little parsley on top.
  3. You can even add a lemon wedge on the side to make it look extra nice.

For Special Dinners

  • Add some garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.
  • Use colorful dishes to make it look even more special.
  • Light a candle and play soft music to make the meal extra fancy.

Family Style

  • Serve the pasta in a big bowl and let everyone take what they want.
  • Put a big basket of warm bread on the table too.

How to Save Leftovers

Sometimes there’s extra pasta, and that’s okay! Here’s how to keep it tasty for later.

Storing Pasta

  • In the Fridge: Put it in a container with a lid. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days.
  • In the Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Keep the pasta and sauce separate if you can.

Reheating Pasta

  • Heat the pasta on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little milk or water to make the sauce creamy again.
  • If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Healthy?

This pasta is super tasty, but it also has some healthy ingredients!

Why It’s Good for You

  • Chicken gives you protein to help build strong muscles.
  • Garlic is good for your immune system.
  • Parmesan Cheese has calcium to make your bones strong.

How to Make It Healthier

  • Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber.
  • Swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or cream.
  • Add extra veggies like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini.

How to Make It Lighter (Less Calories)

If you want to eat lighter but still enjoy this dish, try these ideas:

  1. Grill the chicken instead of frying it.
  2. Use a little less cheese.
  3. Fill your plate with more veggies and a smaller portion of pasta.

FAQs About Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. Can I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Without Cream Cheese?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese and try alternatives like heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Without Cream Cheese for a detailed guide on making a creamy dish without it.

2. Can I Use Any Pasta?

Yes! Use whatever pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, or even bow-tie pasta.

3. What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?

You can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even cheddar.

4. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then mix everything together when you’re ready to eat.

5. How Can I Make It Spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, a little hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

6. Can I Use Plant-Based Chicken?

Yes, it works great if you’re vegetarian or trying something new.

7. How Long Does It Last?

In the fridge, it stays fresh for 2–3 days. In the freezer, it lasts up to 2 months.

8. What Drinks Go Well with It?

Try lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

9. Can I Skip the Garlic?

Yes, but the garlic gives it lots of flavor. You can try using onion powder instead.

10. Will Kids Like This Pasta?

Yes! Kids love the creamy sauce and cheesy pasta. If they don’t like spices, skip the red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a perfect dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken with flavorful pasta. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe is easy to follow and fun to customize.

By using simple ingredients and a few helpful tips, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Plus, with ideas for making it healthier, storing leftovers, and adding your twist, this dish is as versatile as it is tasty.

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