Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Irresistibly Creamy Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever tasted the creamy, garlicky magic that is Buffalo Wild Wings’ Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you know why this dish has a cult following.

Its bold flavor, indulgent sauce, and hearty pasta make it more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Looking for the original Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe? Check out the main version here.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of BWW or simply love creamy chicken pastas, this homemade buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe will win your heart.

In this ultimate guide, we’re diving deep into what makes buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta a crowd-pleasing favorite.

You’ll learn how to recreate it from scratch, customize it to your taste, and even store leftovers like a pro.

This buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Let’s get cooking and make the ultimate buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta right at home!

Don’t miss our Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a simpler, weeknight-friendly take on this dish.

The Allure of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta So Addictive?

It’s not just the flavor—it’s the perfect storm of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness.

The garlic parmesan chicken pasta blends rich, buttery garlic sauce with juicy, seasoned chicken and tender pasta.

Nothing satisfies quite like this buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta when you’re in the mood for indulgence.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Flavor layering: Garlic, butter, and cream form a velvety base.
• Protein-packed: Chicken brings in the heartiness.
• Comfort food texture: Every bite is soft, creamy, and warm—perfect for cozy nights.

See why Facebook is going wild for this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe

This buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish is all about indulgence, yet it’s simple enough to whip up for a family dinner or date night.

Why Buffalo Wild Wings’ Version Stands Out

Buffalo Wild Wings—or BWW, as fans call it—puts a twist on traditional creamy pasta by infusing it with bold parmesan garlic sauce.

With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate the buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta at home—no takeout required.

The buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe stands out because:

• Signature Sauce: Their parmesan garlic wing sauce offers a flavor bomb you can’t replicate easily.
• Crockpot convenience: The BWW copycat recipe can easily be made in a crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta style for hands-off cooking.
• It’s filling and fast: With a prep time of just 10–15 minutes and cooking time under 3 hours, it checks every box for a reliable weeknight dinner.

Want to skip the restaurant lines? This DIY version is budget-friendly and just as satisfying.

Breakdown of the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The heart of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta lies in the sauce.

It’s not your ordinary alfredo—it’s bolder, tangier, and packed with garlic-forward flavor.

Here’s a look at what gives this buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta sauce its signature taste:

• Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred, it forms the foundation.
• Butter + Olive Oil: A creamy-fat combo that carries flavor and richness.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its signature smooth, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for meltability and sharp, nutty notes.
• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (optional): This pre-made sauce gives it that restaurant-authentic zing.
  • You can buy it bottled or replicate it using mayo, vinegar, garlic powder, and grated cheese.

Adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce will give your garlic parmesan chicken pasta a spicy upgrade without compromising its creaminess.

This garlic parmesan sauce is the soul of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creating a creamy, luxurious texture you’ll crave again and again.

Choosing the Right Chicken and Pasta Type

Love this recipe? For more like it, follow us on Pinterest!

When cooking chicken garlic parmesan pasta, protein and carb choices impact both texture and flavor:

Chicken Options:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to cube or shred.
• Chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful, though higher in fat.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Great for fast prep.

Tip: Season your chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs for full flavor.

Pasta Choices:

For a copycat bww garlic parmesan chicken pasta, the pasta should hold sauce well.

Pasta Type	Texture & Flavor Match
Penne	Holds sauce in tubes
Rotini	Curls trap creamy sauce
Fettuccine	Wide noodles = rich bites
Bowtie (Farfalle)	Fun, chewy, versatile

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta from Scratch

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is super easy to make at home.

Here’s the complete method to make buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta from scratch—no culinary school required.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (12 oz) Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional for thinning)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat

Directions:

1. Prep the chicken
   Cut chicken into cubes or thin strips. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the garlic parmesan base
   In the same skillet, lower heat and add a bit more oil if needed. Add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Simmer & combine
   Return chicken to the sauce. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
5. Boil the pasta
   While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain but don’t rinse.
6. Mix it all together
   Add cooked pasta into the creamy buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta sauce and toss until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, thin with chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
7. Top & serve
   Finish with more grated parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.

Tips for Getting the Creamiest Sauce

Getting the sauce just right makes or breaks this dish. Follow these tricks for best results:

Try using grilled chicken in your garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a smoky twist.

• Use room temperature cream cheese – It melts smoother and faster.
• Grate your own parmesan – Pre-shredded versions don’t melt as well due to anti-caking agents.
• Don’t overcook pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the sauce better.
• Reserve some pasta water – Adds starch and helps bind the sauce to noodles in your buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Don’t miss our Chicken Recipes Collection for more creamy, family-friendly meals.

Cooking Methods Explained

For the classic creamy version, visit our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta guide.

Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop: Which Is Better?

Both methods for making buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta have their perks, depending on your schedule and preference.

Crockpot Method (Best for Busy Days)

This is the go-to method for anyone craving crockpot buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta —just dump, cook, and serve.

Steps:

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
3. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours.
4. Shred chicken, then stir in cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
5. Let it sit for 10–15 mins before serving so the sauce thickens.

Pros:

• Easy and hands-free
• Chicken stays tender
• Great for meal prep

Cons:

• Takes longer
• Sauce can get oily if left too long

Stovetop Method (Great for Quick Dinners)

As shown in Part 3, this version is faster and gives you more control over flavor and texture.

Pros:

• Faster cook time (under 45 minutes)
• Better sauce consistency
• Ideal for same-day meals

Cons:

• More hands-on
• Slightly more cleanup

How to Make It in an Instant Pot or Oven

If you love gadgets or want to batch cook, these methods offer even more flexibility.

Instant Pot Method:

Perfect for busy families. Cook chicken and pasta all in one pot!

Steps:

1. Sauté chicken in Instant Pot using “Sauté” mode.
2. Add garlic parmesan sauce, cream cheese, pasta, and broth.
3. Pressure cook on high for 6–7 minutes.
4. Quick release, stir in parmesan cheese, and serve.

Key Tip: Add heavy cream after pressure cooking to avoid curdling.

Oven-Baked Method (For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake):

Want a baked pasta version? Try garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake for golden, bubbly perfection.

Steps:

1. Mix cooked chicken, sauce, and pasta in a casserole dish.
2. Top with mozzarella and extra parmesan.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins or until golden and bubbly.

This version is ideal for meal prepping and freezing.

Check out Fresh Juices Recipes for refreshing sides to serve alongside creamy baked pasta.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Variations

Making It Spicier: Hot Sauce and Chili Add-ins

While buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta has a bold flavor, spice lovers might crave a little more heat. The good news? It’s super easy to add kick without overpowering the rich, garlicky base.

Heat-Boosting Add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle directly into the sauce or on top before serving.
• Buffalo sauce: Mix 1–2 tablespoons into the cream base for added tang and spice.
• Hot honey: Drizzle over plated pasta for a sweet-spicy twist.
• Cayenne pepper or chili oil: Adds deeper spice without altering sauce texture.

Bonus Tip:

If using store-bought BWW sauce, go for the spicy garlic version for a ready-made kick. It blends perfectly into your chicken garlic parmesan pasta sauce.

Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free Variants

This dish is indulgent, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fit your diet goals. Here are some alternative versions to fit different dietary needs:

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:

• Swap pasta for zoodles or palmini noodles
• Use heavy cream, cream cheese, and real parmesan (low in carbs)
• Skip flour or thickeners

This turns the recipe into a keto-friendly version of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta that still satisfies.

Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free pasta (brown rice, chickpea, or lentil varieties)
• Always check the label on bottled garlic parmesan sauces—they may contain wheat-based thickeners.

Dairy-Free:

• Substitute:
  • Cream cheese → dairy-free almond or soy cream cheese
  • Heavy cream → unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream
  • Parmesan → nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan

While the taste shifts slightly, it still delivers creamy comfort, perfect for a dairy-free garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake.

Looking for inspiration? Try Strawberry Crunch Cake for a sweet finish to your pasta night.

Pasta Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Best Pasta Types: Penne, Fettuccine, or Rotini?

Choosing the right pasta isn’t just about shape—it’s about how well it holds that thick, creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

If you’re cooking buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, your pasta choice can seriously impact your bite-to-bite experience.

Top Pasta Picks:

Pasta Type	Why It Works
Penne	Tube shape traps the sauce for every bite
Rotini	Spiral ridges hold thick sauce beautifully
Fettuccine	Wide surface area gives luxurious mouthfeel
Bowtie	Adds texture and fun presentation
Shells	Great for kids—holds lots of sauce

Avoid thin pastas like angel hair—they tend to break down under the weight of the sauce, especially in baked or crockpot dishes.

Looking to go beyond traditional?

Try garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta or transform it into a baked buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta using orzo or gnocchi.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This rich, cheesy dish needs light, flavorful sides to balance the meal. Here’s what pairs well with chicken garlic parmesan pasta:

Fresh Sides:

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic breadsticks or warm baguette slices
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus for texture

Beverage Ideas:

• White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast

Garnish Tips:

• A fresh crack of black pepper
• Extra parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley or basil for brightness

For a meal-prep win, pack your pasta with steamed veggies on the side and a fruit cup or sweet treat. Don’t miss our Zesty Comfort Food Recipes for more dinner ideas that hit the spot.

Storing, Reheating & Freezing Tips

How to Properly Store Leftovers

Whether you’ve made a big batch of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta for meal prep or have some leftovers after dinner,

Proper storage is key to keeping your buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta tasting just as fresh and creamy the next day.

Refrigeration Guidelines:

• Cool before storing: Let pasta cool to room temperature (within 1 hour).
• Use airtight containers: Store in glass or BPA-free plastic.
• Shelf life: Best within 3–4 days for taste and texture.

Pro Tip: Store pasta and sauce separately, if possible. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and getting soggy.

Can You Freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Safely?

Yes, but there’s a right way to do it—especially with a creamy sauce like this.

Freezing Steps:

1. Let it cool completely before freezing.
2. Portion into single-serving containers or freezer bags.
3. Label with date and freeze up to 2 months.
4. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

Avoid freezing:

• Pasta already overcooked (it will turn mushy)
• Toppings like fresh herbs or mozzarella (they don’t freeze well)

Want more make-ahead meal options? Check out Fresh Juices Recipes to pair with reheated pasta for a complete lunch or dinner.

Mistakes to Avoid for Restaurant-Quality Results

Common Cooking Errors That Ruin Texture or Flavor

Even the most seasoned cooks can make simple mistakes when preparing buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Here are some of the most common missteps and how to dodge them:

1. Overcooking the pasta

• Al dente is your friend. Overcooked pasta turns mushy, especially when tossed in hot sauce.

2. Using pre-shredded cheese

• It won’t melt smoothly because it contains anti-caking agents. Always grate your own parmesan for a silky sauce.

3. Adding cream too early (especially in Instant Pots)

• Heat can cause cream to separate. Always stir in heavy cream after pressure cooking if using an Instant Pot.

4. Not seasoning the chicken

• Unseasoned chicken gets lost in the sauce. Use garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a hint of Italian herbs.

5. Skipping pasta water or broth

• These liquids help adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to pasta better.

Ingredient Swaps That Work—and Those That Don’t

Modifying recipes can be fun, but you’ve got to know what substitutions keep the dish tasty and which ones ruin it.

✅ Smart Swaps:

Original Ingredient	Works With
Heavy cream	Half-and-half + cream cheese
Parmesan cheese	Asiago or Romano cheese
Rotini pasta	Penne, bowtie, or shells
Chicken breasts	Chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie

❌ Avoid These Swaps:

Common Mistake	Why It Fails
Milk instead of cream	Sauce turns runny and bland
Canned grated parmesan	Doesn’t melt properly, clumps
Thin pasta (like angel hair)	Breaks apart, turns mushy
Low-fat cream cheese	Won’t create a rich texture

Stick with quality ingredients and simple tweaks to keep your buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta rich, creamy, and crave-worthy.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! The beauty of garlic parmesan chicken pasta is that it’s versatile. While penne, rotini, and fettuccine are top choices for holding the creamy sauce, you can also try:

• Bowtie (farfalle) for a chewy texture
• Shells to trap more sauce in each bite
• Zoodles or gluten-free pasta if you’re following a special diet

Just avoid delicate pastas like angel hair—they tend to fall apart in rich, creamy sauces.

How can I make it spicier?

If you’re craving a kick, spice it up with any of these simple add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes (mixed in or sprinkled on top)
• Buffalo sauce or even sriracha stirred into the sauce
• Spicy garlic wing sauce (swap for the standard garlic parmesan BWW sauce)

Don’t go overboard though—the creamy base balances spice nicely, so aim for harmony.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat:

• Microwave with a splash of cream or milk
• Reheat on stovetop over low heat, stirring in a bit of chicken broth if needed

This keeps the sauce from drying out or clumping.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta freezes surprisingly well—if done right and stored in airtight containers.

• Cool completely before freezing
• Store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags
• Freeze up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight, then reheat gently with added cream to bring back its creamy texture

Avoid freezing pasta that’s already overcooked—it will turn mushy when reheated.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. The stovetop method is quicker and gives you more control over the sauce’s texture.

Just sear the chicken, make the sauce in the same pan, then combine with cooked pasta.

You’ll have a rich, restaurant-style chicken garlic parmesan pasta in under 45 minutes.

Learn more about Zesty Comfort Food Recipes and get inspired to transform your weeknight dinners with this crave-worthy buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta masterpiece.

Is it safe to use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

The USDA advises against putting frozen chicken directly into a slow cooker due to uneven heating. If using frozen chicken, thaw it first in the fridge overnight.

This ensures the meat reaches a safe internal temp and cooks evenly, especially in crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipes.

Conclusion

Making buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta at home is easier—and tastier—than you might think. From stovetop to slow cooker, this buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe fits any kitchen routine. Whether you’re using a crockpot, stovetop, or Instant Pot, this bold, creamy, and utterly comforting pasta recipe can be tailored to your spice tolerance, dietary needs, and favorite pasta shapes.

From the irresistible garlic parmesan sauce to the juicy chicken and perfectly coated noodles, every bite delivers that crave-worthy BWW flavor—without the restaurant bill. Plus, with smart storage and reheating tips, you’ll be enjoying leftovers that taste just as amazing as the first serving.

Get the creamy stovetop version here