Anytime I crave something creamy, comforting, and a little bold, my mind goes straight to the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta. It’s the dish that combines two of my favorite food love languages: buttery garlic parmesan sauce and juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken. And yes, I adore the restaurant version… but I don’t always want to leave the house or wait 40 minutes for takeout.

That’s exactly why I started making this copycat recipe at home. And let me tell you, it’s every bit as satisfying. It’s rich. It’s creamy. It has that perfect garlicky kick. And the whole thing takes less time than ordering delivery.

Plus, my kids love pasta. My husband loves garlic parmesan. So this recipe makes everyone happy in one big skillet. No fancy cooking skills required. Just real ingredients and a fast, family-friendly process that fits easily into weeknight chaos.

If you’re obsessed with the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta like I am, this version will become one of your go-to comfort meals.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

You know when a dinner looks like something you’d only get from a restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home? That’s this meal.

Reasons to keep this recipe in your rotation:

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Creamy and saucy in the best way
• Uses pantry ingredients
• Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
• Protein-packed with tender chicken
• Budget-friendly copycat of a restaurant favorite

Honestly, this dish has saved me on nights when I’m too tired to think and need something reliable and delicious.

Ingredients You Need for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

These ingredients are simple, but together they make magic.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt + black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is key)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• ½ cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce (or similar garlic parm wing sauce)
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh parsley for topping

If you want extra heat, add red pepper flakes. If you want it extra creamy, add a splash more cream or a sprinkle of mozzarella.

How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Step-by-Step)

This copycat recipe tastes restaurant-worthy, but the steps are simple.

1. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken dry. Coat with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the pasta

Boil in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of that pasta water. It helps the sauce cling perfectly.

3. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Cook chicken until golden outside and juicy inside.
Let it rest, then slice into strips.

4. Build the sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add minced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and stir while it simmers.
Add parmesan and stir until silky.
Mix in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce.

5. Combine everything

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
Stir until everything is coated and glossy.
If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with pasta water.

6. Plate and enjoy

Slice the chicken.
Place it beautifully over the pasta.
Sprinkle fresh parsley.
Serve warm and get ready for compliments.

If your family likes extra sauce, double the garlic parm sauce portion. No judgment here.

My Personal Tips for the Best Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

I’ve made this so many times now that I’ve figured out exactly what makes it special.

Keep the heat gentle

Cream sauces separate if cooked too hot. Let it simmer slowly.

Fresh garlic makes a difference

Powdered garlic can’t replace the flavor of real garlic sautéing in butter.

Salt the pasta water generously

It’s the simplest way to flavor pasta from the inside out.

Use high-quality parmesan

Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer than packaged shreds.

Slice chicken after resting

Letting it sit keeps the juices inside, not all over the cutting board.

These small steps turn a simple dish into something restaurant-level.

Why This Copycat Is Better Than the Restaurant

I love Buffalo Wild Wings, but let’s be honest:

• Their serving size can be small
• The price keeps going up
• Sometimes the chicken varies

At home:

• You control how creamy it is
• You decide how much sauce or spice
• You get way more food for the cost

My kids always go back for seconds. Which means this recipe is absolutely staying in our family rotation.

Ways to Customize Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Everyone has different taste preferences. Here’s how to mix it up.

Want it richer?

Add a splash more cream or a little cream cheese.

Want extra protein?

Use grilled chicken thighs or add crispy bacon.

Want some veggies?

Try broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers.

Want it spicier?

Add buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes.

Want it low-carb?

Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

This recipe adapts easily to your mood and ingredients.

What to Serve With Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

If you want a complete meal without extra stress, here are simple sides that pair perfectly:

• A light garden salad
• Roasted veggies
• Garlic bread
• Cauliflower bites
• Simple broccoli with lemon

When I have zero time, I just add a bagged Caesar salad. Done.

How to Store and Reheat

This pasta reheats beautifully, especially with a splash of milk or extra sauce.

Refrigerator

Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm in a skillet or microwave with a bit of milk to refresh the sauce.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It’s a fast shortcut on busy nights.

Can I make the sauce without cream?

Half-and-half works, but won’t be as rich.

Can I bake it with cheese on top?

Yes! Top with mozzarella and broil for 2–3 minutes.

Can I make it ahead?

Prep the sauce and chicken earlier, then boil pasta fresh at dinnertime.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you love easy holiday appetizers like this one, you should definitely try my Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer — it’s festive, simple, and always disappears fast during parties. And when you’re craving something fresh and full of flavor, these Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce make such a family-friendly lunch or dinner option. Oh, and if you enjoy cozy Southern comfort food, don’t miss my creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe — it’s a warm, satisfying dish everyone at home will adore!

Why You’ll Keep Making This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This isn’t just a creamy pasta. It’s a warm hug after a long day. It’s the dinner that saves you when you’re tired and hungry and don’t want to think. It’s a copycat recipe that tastes like the real thing… but feels more personal because you made it.

It’s restaurant flavor without the restaurant hassle.
It’s a crowd-pleaser without complicated steps.
And it brings your family to the table fast… which is my favorite part of cooking.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Did your family devour it like mine did? Did you make a spicy version or add bacon? Share your photos and ideas so we can all keep making dinner delicious and fun.

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