Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe in 8 Simple Steps

Published: 6 May 2026

Here is a short video explaining the process, scroll down for detailed ingredients and step by step recipe method. Thanks for coming and do not forget to follow Food Paradise on Pinterest.

Ingredients With Exact Amount

This recipe uses simple ingredients, but each one adds something important. The pasta holds the sauce, the chicken adds protein, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce brings everything together.

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, 12 ounces
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

For Garnishing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup extra parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper, to taste

Step by Step Recipe Method

This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta comes together in a few simple stages, but taking your time with each step makes a huge difference in the final flavor and texture. The goal is to create juicy seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce that coats every bite beautifully.

Before starting, gather and measure all your ingredients. This makes cooking smoother and helps prevent mistakes while the sauce is cooking. Creamy sauces move quickly, so having everything ready nearby is very helpful.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the chicken develop a golden crust while cooking instead of steaming in the pan.

If the chicken breasts are thick, carefully slice them in half horizontally or pound them lightly with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Gently rub the seasoning into the chicken so every part is coated well.

Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the pasta water. This gives the seasoning time to absorb into the meat and improves the flavor.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and place it over high heat. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add a generous amount of salt. The pasta water should taste slightly salty because this is the only chance to season the pasta itself.

Add the penne pasta and stir it immediately to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means tender but still slightly firm in the center.

Do not overcook the pasta because it will continue cooking slightly later when mixed into the hot sauce. Mushy pasta will not hold the creamy sauce properly.

Before draining the pasta, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water is very important because it helps adjust the thickness of the sauce later.

Drain the pasta and lightly toss it to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Place a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and starts to lightly bubble, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet.

Do not overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on the first side. Avoid moving it too much because this helps create a golden crust.

Flip the chicken and cook the second side for another 5 to 7 minutes, depending on thickness. The chicken should be fully cooked with clear juices and a golden outside.

To check doneness, cut into the thickest part. The center should no longer be pink.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet keeps all the flavorful chicken bits in the sauce, which adds extra richness.

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic directly into the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Do not let it brown too much because burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.

Add the softened cream cheese into the skillet. Stir slowly with a wooden spoon or whisk as it melts. At first, it may look thick or slightly lumpy, but keep stirring gently until it smooths out.

Once the cream cheese becomes creamy, pour in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Stir until fully combined.

Slowly add the heavy cream and milk while stirring continuously. Mixing slowly helps create a smooth, silky sauce without lumps.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid boiling the sauce aggressively because high heat can cause creamy sauces to separate.

Step 5: Melt the Parmesan Cheese Into the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low before adding the parmesan cheese. Add the freshly grated parmesan a little at a time while stirring constantly.

This gradual method helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce instead of clumping together.

Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and glossy. The texture should coat the back of a spoon.

If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly pour in a small splash of reserved pasta water while stirring. The pasta water helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy and silky instead of watery.

Taste the sauce at this stage. If needed, add a small pinch of salt or black pepper. Be careful with salt because the parmesan and Buffalo Wild Wings sauce already contain plenty of seasoning.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss the pasta until every piece is coated evenly.

Take your time with this step because proper mixing helps the sauce cling to the pasta instead of sitting at the bottom of the pan.

Let the pasta cook in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes over low heat. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the garlic parmesan flavor and makes the dish taste more balanced.

If the pasta absorbs too much sauce, add another splash of reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your preferred consistency.

Step 7: Add the Chicken Back Into the Pasta

Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and gently fold it into the pasta. Make sure the chicken gets coated with some of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

Let everything warm together for about 1 minute so the flavors blend properly.

At this point, the pasta should look creamy, rich, and glossy with juicy pieces of chicken throughout.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot

Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. Add extra parmesan cheese and a little black pepper on top for even more flavor.

Serve the pasta immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or crispy chicken wings make excellent side dishes with this recipe. For an extra restaurant-style touch, drizzle a little extra Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the top right before serving.

Variations in the Recipe

This recipe is easy to adjust based on your taste. You can make it spicy, lighter, cheesier, or even change the protein.

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce or hot sauce to the creamy sauce. You can also add extra red pepper flakes. This gives the pasta a stronger Buffalo Wild Wings-style kick.

Chicken and Broccoli Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Add 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets when mixing the pasta with the sauce. Broccoli adds color, freshness, and a nice balance to the creamy sauce.

Shrimp Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Replace chicken with 1 pound of shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from the pan, make the sauce, then add the shrimp back at the end.

Extra Cheesy Pasta

Add ½ cup mozzarella cheese along with the parmesan. This makes the sauce thicker, stretchier, and extra cheesy.

Bacon Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Add ½ cup cooked chopped bacon before serving. Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that works beautifully with garlic parmesan sauce.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cream cheese to 4 ounces. The sauce will be lighter but still creamy.

Mistakes to Avoid

Small mistakes can change the texture and flavor of this pasta. Here are the most important ones to avoid.

Cooking the Sauce on High Heat

High heat can make the sauce separate or turn oily. Keep the heat low and stir often for a smooth, creamy finish.

Using Cold Cream Cheese

Cold cream cheese takes longer to melt and can leave lumps in the sauce. Let it soften at room temperature before using.

Overcooking the Pasta

Soft, mushy pasta does not hold creamy sauce well. Cook it until tender but still slightly firm.

Forgetting to Save Pasta Water

Pasta water helps loosen the sauce without making it watery. Always save some before draining the pasta.

Using Too Much Salt

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and parmesan cheese already have salt. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

Adding Parmesan Too Quickly

Add parmesan slowly and stir well. This helps it melt smoothly and keeps the sauce from becoming clumpy.

Conclusion

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, cozy, and flavor-packed meal that feels special without being hard to make. The garlic parmesan sauce gives it bold flavor, while the cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan make it rich and smooth. The chicken adds heartiness, and the pasta brings everything together in the best way.

This is a great recipe for family dinners, weekend comfort food, or a simple restaurant-style meal at home. You can keep it classic, make it spicy, add vegetables, or try it with shrimp. Once you make it, it can easily become one of your favorite pasta dinners. Check the homepage for more food recipes that are easy, delicious, and perfect for home cooking.

FAQs

What Pasta Works Best for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Penne works very well because it holds the creamy sauce inside and outside. You can also use rotini, rigatoni, bow tie pasta, or fettuccine.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Chicken?

Yes, you can make it without chicken. You can serve it as a creamy garlic parmesan pasta or add shrimp, broccoli, mushrooms, or bacon.

Is Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Spicy?

It is usually mild with a strong garlic and parmesan flavor. If you want it spicy, add buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.

Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For the best creamy texture, I recommend using heavy cream or half-and-half.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the pasta cool before storing it.

How Do I Reheat This Pasta?

Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water and stir until the sauce becomes creamy again. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one.

Can I Freeze This Pasta?

You can freeze it, but creamy sauces may change texture after thawing. For the best taste and texture, I recommend eating it fresh or storing it in the fridge.

Can I Use Store-Bought Grated Parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce. Store-bought grated cheese can sometimes make the sauce grainy.

Sophia Pervaiz Avatar
Sophia Pervaiz

Passionate about creating delicious, approachable recipes and sharing insights on our furry companions, Sophia Pervaiz blends their love for food and cats into every post. When not experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, they enjoy spending time with their cats, learning more about feline health, and creating content that caters to both food lovers and pet enthusiasts. With a knack for making everything feel personal and relatable, Sophia Pervaiz brings a warm, friendly voice to both the culinary and animal worlds. Whether you're here for a tasty new dish or some helpful cat tips, there's always something for everyone!

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