Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Guide
Whether you’re a die hard fan of Buffalo Wild Wings or just stumbled across this creamy, cheesy goodness the Social media, Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has become a comfort food favorite for many, and for good reason. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home, especially in a slow cooker.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from the recipe’s origins and key ingredients to expert cooking tips and creative variations. Whether you’re new to the dish or a seasoned home chef looking to perfect it, you’ll find something helpful (and delicious) here.
Introduction to Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
What Is Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a viral sensation that blends creamy pasta with tender chicken and the restaurant’s iconic garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a bold, indulgent dish with a unique flavor, less spicy, more savory. The garlic parmesan sauce is the star of the show, boasting a garlicky punch mellowed out by buttery parmesan goodness.
Originally made famous as a wing sauce, fans of the flavor started experimenting, eventually transforming it into a pasta masterpiece. With the rise of TikTok food trends, this hearty comfort meal quickly caught fire across social media. Now, it’s not just a restaurant inspired favorite, it’s a home cooked classic.
Why This Dish Has Gained Cult Popularity
Well, let’s face it, people love restaurant copycat recipes. And when they’re easy to make in a crockpot? Even better. This dish combines three things everyone loves: pasta, chicken, and cheese. It’s creamy, savory, and just garlicky enough to make your kitchen smell amazing.
Plus, the slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe requires minimal prep. Just dump, cook, stir, and serve. It fits busy weeknights, weekend indulgences, and everything in between. And thanks to pre-made Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce, you can enjoy restaurant-level flavor without all the fuss.
Stick around, we’re diving into the details next, starting with how this viral favorite came to be.
Origin and Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The Buffalo Wild Wings Influence
It all started with wings. Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce wasn’t just a hit, it became a cult classic. Its flavor walks the line between creamy and bold, rich and garlicky, without ever being overwhelming. That irresistible taste is what inspired food lovers everywhere to think beyond wings. Enter pasta.
Fans of the restaurant began experimenting at home. Many realized this sauce could transform ordinary pasta into something extraordinary. Before long, the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta took over social media and comfort food menus alike. Home cooks craved a way to replicate that creamy kick without the drive thru.
From Restaurant Favorite to Viral Homemade Recipe
Thanks to the power of platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, this pasta recipe has exploded in popularity. Its appeal lies in both flavor and simplicity. It’s a one pot wonder that turns out delicious whether you’re a kitchen pro or a slow cooker newbie.
For a mouthwatering variation of this dish, you might also enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe from Chef’s Tasty Recipes, it’s packed with home cooked charm and fits right into your weekly rotation.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Let’s break it down. The beauty of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to prepare, and most ingredients are pantry staples:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless options work best.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce: The secret weapon. You can grab it at most grocery stores or online.
- Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream or milk: Loosens up the sauce and makes it silky.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that nutty, salty pop.
- Pasta: Penne, rotini, or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper: All for depth and balance.
Toss it all into your slow cooker, and boom, dinner’s on autopilot.
Creative Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments
Don’t have the exact ingredients? No sweat. There’s room to flex:
- Swap in Greek yogurt or low fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Use zucchini noodles or gluten free pasta if you’re watching carbs.
- For extra veggies, toss in some baby spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
- Can’t find the original sauce? Try mixing your own with mayo, parmesan, garlic, butter, and herbs.
This flexibility is part of why this dish is a dinner MVP. It adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand, and still tastes like a million bucks.
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a Crockpot
Making Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a crockpot couldn’t be easier. This method’s perfect for busy folks who still want something mouthwatering at dinnertime.
Here’s how to do it, step by step:
- Place chicken in the crockpot: Lay 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom.
- Add the sauce: Pour in one full bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Add cream cheese and seasonings: Toss in a block of cream cheese (about 8 oz), a splash of milk or cream, and a pinch of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook: Set on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Don’t peek too often!
- Shred the chicken: Once it’s cooked, use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the pot.
- Stir in cooked pasta: Boil your pasta separately and stir it in at the end. Rotini and penne work wonders here.
- Finish with parmesan: Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir everything together. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors marry.
And there you go, creamy, savory, dreamy chicken pasta ready to devour.
Alternative Cooking Methods: Stove & Instant Pot Variations
No crockpot? No problem! You can still make Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
- Stovetop: Cube the chicken and sauté it. Add sauce, cream cheese, and a splash of milk. Simmer until thickened, then toss with cooked pasta.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown the chicken. Add sauce, cream cheese, and seasonings. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then quick release. Shred and mix with pasta.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Deep Dive
What Makes Garlic Parmesan Sauce Unique?
If you’ve ever tried it, you know, the Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce is unlike anything else. It’s not just creamy; it’s packed with layers of flavor. You get rich parmesan up front, a mellow garlicky base, and just a hint of heat from red pepper and herbs. The consistency is thicker than Alfredo, yet not as heavy as a four cheese sauce.
What sets it apart? It’s that umami bomb that comes from aged cheese and roasted garlic. There’s also a buttery finish that keeps you going back for more. Whether on wings or pasta, it clings to whatever it touches, and that’s why it’s a game changer in this dish.
Recreating the Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce at Home
Can’t get your hands on the bottle? You can whip up a pretty tasty version at home. Here’s a basic idea:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Dash of red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt and Italian seasoning
Mix it all together until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed. While not identical, it’s close enough to satisfy cravings when the store shelves are empty.
Nutrition Facts and Health Considerations
Caloric and Nutritional Breakdown
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is as rich as it is delicious, which means it’s definitely on the indulgent side. A typical serving can range from 550 to 700 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Let’s break it down:
- Protein: Chicken adds about 30g per serving.
- Fats: The sauce, cream cheese, and parmesan deliver high fat content, up to 40g.
- Carbs: The pasta and sauce can contribute up to 50g of carbohydrates.
There’s no denying it, this dish is comfort food. But it’s also hearty and filling, making it perfect for a cheat day or special treat.
Healthier Twists and Lightened Up Versions
Want to enjoy this meal without the guilt? Good news, there are ways to slim it down.
- Use low fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt.
- Swap traditional pasta for whole wheat, zoodles, or chickpea pasta.
- Choose reduced fat parmesan and lighten the sauce with unsweetened almond milk.
- Load it up with veggies like spinach or steamed broccoli.
With these easy tweaks, you can enjoy all the flavor of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, just with fewer calories and more nutrition.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Best Sides to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A rich dish like Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta needs the right sidekicks. Since the pasta is already creamy and flavorful, lighter sides work best.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Steamed veggies: Think broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Side salad: A crisp Caesar or simple garden salad helps balance things out.
- Garlic bread: Yes, more garlic! It’s a great way to scoop up the extra sauce.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes: Adds a fresh pop of acidity to cut the richness.
How to Elevate the Dish for Special Occasions
Want to turn this cozy dinner into a standout meal? Try this:
- Serve it in a deep pasta bowl and top with fresh basil and shaved parmesan.
- Add a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Light a few candles and you’ve got yourself a restaurant worthy dinner, right at home.
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce (about 12 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta cooked separately
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Pour the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the chicken.
- Add the cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks in the slow cooker.
- Boil pasta in a separate pot, drain, and stir into the slow cooker.
- Add parmesan cheese, stir well, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overcooking the Chicken or Pasta
One of the biggest pitfalls when making Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is overcooking, especially in the slow cooker. Chicken becomes dry if it cooks too long, even in sauce. Aim for 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 on high. Always shred the chicken right after it’s tender, not tough.
As for the pasta, it’s best to cook it separately. Adding dry pasta into the slow cooker might seem like a shortcut, but it often leads to mushy, sticky noodles. Always boil it on the stove and stir it in just before serving.
Getting the Sauce Consistency Right
The sauce is the heart of this dish, so don’t rush it. Sometimes, folks add too much milk or cream trying to thin it out. That waters down the flavor. Start with less, then adjust as needed.
Also, be sure to stir well after shredding the chicken so everything blends evenly into that creamy garlic parmesan perfection.
FAQs About Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce in Other Dishes?
Yes, absolutely! This sauce is super versatile. Besides making Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it pairs beautifully with grilled veggies, shrimp, or even baked potatoes. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for wings or breadsticks.
Is This Dish Spicy or Mild?
It’s more on the mild side. The garlic parmesan sauce has a creamy base with only a hint of spice. However, you can dial up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you’re craving more kick.
Can I Freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
You sure can! Just let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy texture.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best with the Sauce?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works great. These shapes hold the thick, rich sauce better than long noodles. But honestly, whatever pasta you have on hand will still be delicious.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a viral sensation, it’s become a staple comfort food for families, foodies, and busy home cooks everywhere. From its creamy, savory flavor to its crockpot simplicity, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table.
Whether you stick to the classic version or spice it up with your own twist, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort. And thanks to the wide range of ingredient swaps and add-ins, you can make it as indulgent, or as light, as you like.
So go ahead, grab that garlic parmesan sauce, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight favorite. This dish isn’t just good, it’s downright addictive.