If you’ve ever had the Garlic Parmesan wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, you know just how addictive that creamy, garlicky, slightly tangy sauce is. One night, I thought—why not take that same flavor and pour it all over pasta? The result? A Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s creamy, comforting, and done in under an hour. Trust me, if you love pasta and you love garlic parmesan wings, this recipe is going to become your new obsession.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m not going to lie—I’m a pasta lover through and through. But this recipe hits different because it brings together the bold garlic parmesan flavor from Buffalo Wild Wings with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It feels like restaurant food, but you can make it right at home without spending a fortune.
The best part? You can make this dish in 50 minutes start to finish, which means it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even when you want to impress your friends with something fancy but secretly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Don’t worry—you probably already have half of these in your kitchen.
- Chicken breasts or thighs – about 2 pounds, cut into bite-size pieces
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce – you can grab a bottle from most grocery stores or online
- Heavy cream – 2 cups, for that rich and creamy sauce
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated if possible
- Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves, minced (because more garlic = more flavor)
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes – optional, for a little heat
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
- Pasta of choice – penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get into the fun part. Here’s how to put this creamy pasta together in just 50 minutes.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes depending on the pasta). Drain it and set aside, saving about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside (about 6–8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste the sauce—this is your moment to adjust seasoning. Add salt, black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra kick.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every piece. If it feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side because honestly, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
Tips to Nail This Recipe
- Don’t skip the garlic. Even though the sauce is garlicky, fresh garlic takes it to the next level.
- Use fresh Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grate it fresh if you can.
- Pasta water is gold. Save a cup when draining the pasta—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Chicken thighs = more flavor. Breasts are great, but thighs stay juicier and more tender.
- Want it lighter? Swap heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as thick.
Why This Recipe Works
The reason this pasta is so good is because it combines the zesty tang and rich garlic flavor of Buffalo Wild Wings sauce with the creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream. It’s indulgent but not too heavy, flavorful without being overpowering. And it’s flexible—you can swap chicken for shrimp, or even make it vegetarian with roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This pasta is filling, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with:
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Leftovers and Storage
This pasta tastes amazing the next day, so don’t worry about making extra. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 600–650
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
This is definitely more of a comfort food meal, but hey—sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or even bow-tie pasta works. Just pick one that holds sauce well.
Where can I buy Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
You can usually find it at Walmart, Target, or order it online from Amazon. Some Buffalo Wild Wings locations even sell bottles directly.
Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, keep the sauce separate from the pasta and combine when reheating to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce is more tangy and garlicky than spicy. But you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like heat.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is proof that you can take a restaurant favorite and turn it into a cozy, satisfying home-cooked meal in under an hour. It’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—the kind of dinner that makes everyone at the table happy.
Next time you’re craving wings but also want pasta, skip takeout and try this recipe instead. You’ll thank yourself later.