This creamy Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta combines juicy chicken, Parmesan garlic wing sauce, and tender penne pasta for a comfort food classic you’ll crave again and again.
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta is exactly what you need. For something equally cozy but with rice instead of pasta, try this cheesy chicken and rice casserole.
Imagine tender chicken, smothered in a Parmesan garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up at home.
The best part? You don’t need a laundry list of fancy ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and a jar of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic wing sauce, you’ve got yourself a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
I love this recipe because it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table quickly. The smell alone will get the family circling around the kitchen asking, “When’s dinner ready?” And honestly, isn’t that what good food is all about, bringing people together?
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Pasta
To make a truly unforgettable Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta, you’ll need just a handful of core ingredients. These are the building blocks of the recipe, and each one plays an important role in creating that creamy, cheesy, and downright addictive flavor we all love.
- Chicken breasts (3 boneless, skinless): The star of the dish. They’re lean, tender, and soak up the garlicky sauce beautifully. If you prefer, chicken thighs work too, but chicken breasts keep it lighter.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): Adds that velvety smoothness to the sauce. It melts down and gives the pasta a rich, luscious base that clings to every bite.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce (12 oz jar): This is the secret ingredient. It brings a punch of garlicky flavor, a touch of tang, and that classic Buffalo Wild Wings flair without being overly spicy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a silky sauce that balances the sharpness of the Parmesan and the tang of the wing sauce. It’s the glue that ties everything together.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into the sauce for added richness. It deepens the flavor and gives the pasta that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Penne pasta (16 oz box): Perfect for soaking up the sauce. Penne holds onto the creamy garlic goodness in every nook and cranny.
When combined, these ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight and indulgent enough for a special occasion.
If you enjoy experimenting with different chicken dishes, you’ll also love this flavorful chicken afritada recipe, which brings a delicious Filipino twist to family dinners.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
Sometimes you want to jazz things up or work with what’s already in your kitchen. Here are a few extras and easy swaps for your Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta:
- Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for a fresh twist. They bring color and balance out the richness of the sauce.
- Protein swaps: If chicken isn’t your favorite, this pasta also works with shrimp, turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Lighter options: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce. Greek yogurt can also replace some of the cream cheese if you want extra tang.
- Different pasta: While penne is classic, rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine also work well. Basically, any pasta that grabs onto the sauce will do the trick.
- Cheese variety: Mozzarella or asiago cheese can be added for a cheesier punch. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will kick up the heat for spice lovers.
And if you’re looking for a wholesome, hearty bowl, try this comforting Puerto Rican chicken soup recipe that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Expert Tips for Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Pasta Success
Making Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta is straightforward, but a few insider tips will take your dish from good to unforgettable.
- Season the chicken well: Don’t just rely on the sauce. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and even garlic powder on your chicken breasts before cooking makes a huge difference. Seasoned chicken brings more depth to the final dish.
- Sear, then rest: When cooking the chicken, sear it until golden on both sides, then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting locks in the juices so your chicken doesn’t dry out.
- Low and slow for the sauce: Melt the cream cheese and Parmesan over medium-low heat. High heat can cause the dairy to separate or become grainy. Gentle heat ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining your pasta, save about half a cup of that starchy water. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of it to loosen things up without losing flavor.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces: Don’t leave large chunks. Small pieces ensure every forkful of pasta gets a little chicken, a little sauce, and a lot of flavor.
- Add toppings: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, some chopped parsley, or even crispy bacon bits can take this dish over the top.
- Make it ahead-friendly: You can cook the chicken and boil the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately, then toss everything together with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftover chicken can also be repurposed into other dishes like this savory halal chicken recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, pour in the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic wing sauce, cubed cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir gently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cheese: Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
- Bring it all together: Add the sliced chicken and drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything until evenly coated in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls, top with extra Parmesan, and garnish with parsley if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Additional Guide: Variations and Twists
Want to make your Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta even more special? Try these fun variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a drizzle of Buffalo Wild Wings Medium or Hot sauce for heat alongside the Parmesan Garlic base. Perfect for spice lovers.
- Baked pasta: Transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and bake until bubbly and golden. Instant pasta bake!
- One-pot version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra chicken broth. It saves time and dishes, and the pasta soaks up even more flavor.
- Family-style serving: Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad to complete the meal. Trust me, it’s the kind of dinner spread that makes everyone smile.
Or if you’d rather explore another baked-style dish with bold spices, check out this fragrant Syrian chicken and rice.
FAQs About Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Pasta
Can I use a different Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?
Yes! While Parmesan Garlic is the classic choice for Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta, you can experiment with other sauces. If you’re in the mood for a sweet-savory balance, you’ll love this orange chicken and rice recipe.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne is great, but rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine also work well. The key is choosing pasta that holds the creamy sauce.
Can I freeze this Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Pasta?
Freezing isn’t ideal because cream-based sauces can separate. If you do freeze, reheat slowly and stir in extra cream to smooth things out.
Conclusion
There you have it, Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. It’s a dish that comes together with simple ingredients yet delivers bold flavor every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So grab that jar of Parmesan Garlic sauce, a box of pasta, and a little Parmesan, and let’s make dinner one to remember. After all, food isn’t just about eating, it’s about gathering, laughing, and making memories around the table. And this recipe? It’s a memory in the making.
Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 12 oz jar Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic wing sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 16 oz box penne pasta
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic wing sauce, cubed cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir gently over medium-low heat until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet. Toss until evenly coated with the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.