Buffalo Wild Wings‘ Garlic Parmesan sauce is a fan favorite, beloved for its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and a touch of heat. But did you know you can recreate that delicious flavor in a comforting, homemade pasta dish?
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe captures the essence of the Buffalo Wild Wings experience, offering a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
The Flavor Profile
The magic of this dish lies in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a versatile condiment that blends roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Making it at Home
While you can use bottled Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce for convenience, creating your own sauce from scratch allows you to customize the spice level and add your personal touch.
Here’s a basic recipe breakdown:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked to tender perfection. You can grill, pan-fry, or bake them, depending on your preference.
- Sauce: A blend of butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs forms the base of the sauce. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Pasta: Rotini or penne are popular choices for this dish, as their ridges hold the sauce beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Aim for juicy and tender chicken, not dry and rubbery.
- Let the sauce simmer: Simmering allows the flavors to meld and thicken the sauce for a luxurious texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Using freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a sharper and more nuanced flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Beyond the Basics
This recipe is a great foundation for exploration. Here are some ideas to personalize your pasta dish:
- Add vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes add pops of color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Swap the protein: Shrimp, tofu, or tempeh can be used instead of chicken for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.
- Garnish it up: Chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add a finishing touch.
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The Flavorful Fusion: Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Embark on a culinary journey with buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, a tantalizing fusion of zesty buffalo sauce, creamy parmesan cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish offers a symphony of flavors, combining the tanginess of buffalo sauce with the richness of parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious balance that delights the palate.
Unveiling the Ingredients
Delve into the heart of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta with its key ingredients:
- Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken breast, thinly sliced for optimum flavor absorption.
- Pasta: Al dente pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, cooked to perfection.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A velvety blend of minced garlic, butter, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Buffalo Sauce: A spicy and tangy concoction made from hot sauce, butter, and seasonings.
- Garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flair.
Crafting the Perfect Dish
- Marinating the Chicken: Begin by marinating thinly sliced chicken breast in a mixture of buffalo sauce, garlic, and seasonings for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cooking the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sautéing the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Preparing the Sauce: In the same skillet, prepare the garlic parmesan sauce by melting butter, sautéing minced garlic until fragrant, then adding heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combining the Elements: Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic parmesan sauce until evenly coated, then add the sautéed chicken and toss gently to combine.
- Garnishing and Serving: Garnish the buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta with fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy!
Elevating Your Dining Experience
Transform your dining experience with these expert tips:
- Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences, from mild to fiery hot.
- Experiment with Pasta Varieties: Explore different pasta shapes and varieties to add variety and texture to your dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Complement the bold flavors of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta with a refreshing beverage such as a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe
This recipe captures the flavors of the Buffalo Wild Wings classic in a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning blend (or salt and pepper to taste)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (12-ounce) jar Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spice level)
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chicken seasoning blend (or salt and pepper). Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Let it simmer for a minute, then whisk in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
- Enrich the Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the empty Garlic Parmesan sauce jar and shake well to get all the leftover sauce out. Add this mixture to the pan along with the grated parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Stir to combine.
- Spice it Up (Optional): Add red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Dish: Dice or shred the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan with the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of pasta water (about ¼ cup).
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional). Enjoy!
Tips:
- You can bake or grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a healthier option.
- For a richer sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Aim for tender and juicy pieces.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to use Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce is a versatile condiment that goes beyond just dipping wings. Here are some ways you can use it to elevate your dishes:
Classic Uses:
- Dipping Sauce: Of course, the most common way to use the sauce is for dipping cooked chicken wings, tenders, or fries.
- Wing Glaze: Brush or toss cooked wings in the sauce for a final glaze before serving.
Beyond the Basics:
- Pasta Sauce: This is a great base for creamy parmesan garlic pasta dishes. You can use it as is, or add additional ingredients like cooked chicken, vegetables, or other cheeses. (See the recipe above for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!)
- Pizza Sauce: Use it as a base for a delicious garlic parmesan pizza. Add mozzarella cheese, your favorite toppings, and bake according to your pizza dough recipe.
- Sandwich Spread: Spread the sauce on bread for a flavorful base for grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, or wraps.
- Vegetable Dip: Thin the sauce with a little milk or broth for a delicious dip for vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower.
- Chicken Marinade: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in the sauce for added flavor before grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Remember:
- Heat Level: Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce has a hint of spice. You can adjust the heat level in your dishes by adding more red pepper flakes or using a hot sauce.
- Versatility: This sauce is a great starting point for many recipes. Feel free to experiment and add your own creative touches!
Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken slow cooker
Absolutely! Here’s a recipe for a delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in your slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1.25 – 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz sliced white mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup evaporated milk (you can use lactose-free if needed)
- 3 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1.5 – 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Slow Cooker: If using, lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add Base Ingredients: Place the chicken pieces, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Mushrooms (Optional): If using, add the sliced mushrooms on top of the other ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the sauce thickener. In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and flour until smooth.
- Stir in Creamy Goodness: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the lid and stir in the milk and flour mixture. Return the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Cheese and Spinach: Finally, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach leaves. Cook for another minute or two, just until the spinach wilts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. You can also enjoy it on its own with a side of vegetables.
Tips:
- Chicken Options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist longer in the slow cooker.
- Customizing Spice: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Vegetables: For additional veggies, try adding chopped broccoli or carrots along with the chicken and onions.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful slow cooker meal!
FAQs
How spicy is buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
The spiciness level of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta can be adjusted according to personal preference. By controlling the amount of buffalo sauce used, you can customize the heat level from mild to hot.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
While using pre-cooked chicken is an option for saving time, marinating and sautéing fresh chicken breast enhances the flavor profile of the dish, resulting in a more delicious outcome.
Is buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta suitable for vegetarians?
This dish is not vegetarian-friendly as it contains chicken as the primary protein source. However, vegetarians can explore alternative ingredients such as tofu or tempeh to create a similar flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
On average, the preparation time for buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta is approximately 45 minutes, including marinating the chicken, cooking the pasta, and preparing the sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that the other ingredients are free from gluten contamination.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
To reheat leftovers, gently heat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, then serve hot.
Conclusion
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, a culinary masterpiece that combines the boldness of buffalo sauce with the richness of parmesan cheese, creating a dish that delights the senses. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal at home or served at a gathering with friends and family, this delectable pasta dish is sure to leave a lasting impression. Elevate your dining experience with buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta and savor every moment of culinary bliss.