To create this delicious Garlic Parmesan pasta recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. These ingredients work together to build the signature rich and savory sauce that makes this dish so special.
If you’ve ever tried Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous Garlic Parmesan sauce, you know how irresistibly rich and flavorful it is. The creamy, garlicky sauce is perfect on wings, but what if you could recreate that same deliciousness in a pasta dish? You’re in luck! This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to make a delicious Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that rivals the original from Buffalo Wild Wings. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can make this hearty, creamy pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep.
In this extended guide, we’ll also explore various ways to adapt the recipe based on dietary preferences, provide nutritional insights, and offer suggestions for complementary side dishes. Plus, we’ll include internal links to helpful resources on AeriaRecipes to elevate your cooking experience.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
To create this delicious Garlic Parmesan pasta recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. These ingredients work together to build the signature rich and savory sauce that makes this dish so special.
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for a seamless cooking process. This dish is built on a foundation of tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Let’s break down the ingredients and explore why they’re used:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can also be used.
- Pasta: Choose pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or linguine. These varieties hold the sauce well. Penne, with its ridges, is particularly great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce: While store-bought options are available, making your own gives you control over the flavors. Homemade sauce is fresher and less processed.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is essential. The pre-shredded version often contains additives that prevent clumping, which can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This creates the rich and creamy base for the sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding a slight fruity flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: The star of the sauce! Freshly minced garlic provides the most robust flavor.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add these for a hint of heat to balance the creamy richness of the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Parmesan pasta recipe is simple to follow, but the result is restaurant-quality. Start by cooking the chicken, then prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss everything together with the pasta. It’s a foolproof method for achieving a delicious meal.
Making this dish is simple, but taking care to follow each step will ensure that the flavors come together harmoniously. The following steps will guide you through the process of creating this delicious pasta dish, from preparing the chicken to making the sauce and combining all the ingredients.
1. Preparing the Chicken for Your Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
The chicken is a key component of this dish, so getting it just right is important.
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of garlic powder. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering the dish.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Pro Tip:
To add an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Cooking the Pasta for a Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, start on the pasta:
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Add your pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or linguine) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and bind the pasta and sauce together.
- Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce for Your Pasta
The garlic Parmesan sauce is the highlight of this dish, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. The key is to balance the creamy richness with the garlicky, savory flavors.
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir frequently to prevent it from scorching.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, whisking continuously until it melts completely into the cream, creating a smooth, rich sauce.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.
Pro Tip:
For an even richer sauce, you can replace part of the heavy cream with cream cheese. This will add an extra level of creaminess and tang to the dish.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. This is where the magic happens!
- Slice the chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the chicken: Gently mix the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is covered with that delicious sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. For a pop of heat, add a few more red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Breakdown of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
While this dish is undeniably delicious, it’s also rich in calories and fats due to the heavy cream and cheese. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (assuming a serving size of about 1.5 cups):
- Calories: 700-800
- Protein: 35-40 grams (from chicken and Parmesan)
- Fat: 45-55 grams (from cream, butter, and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams (from pasta)
- Sodium: 600-700 mg
Pro Tip:
To lighten up the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, swapping regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and using skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan pasta recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily add vegetables, switch up the pasta, or even make it low-carb by using zucchini noodles. Customize the recipe based on your personal preferences.
1. Add Vegetables
Boost the nutrition of the dish by adding vegetables like:
- Broccoli: Blanch it quickly and toss it in with the pasta for a burst of color and nutrients.
- Spinach: Stir fresh spinach into the sauce for added greens.
- Mushrooms: Sauté them alongside the garlic to add an earthy flavor.
Adding vegetables not only increases the health factor of the dish but also provides additional texture and flavor.
2. Low-Carb Alternatives
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily modify the recipe to fit your dietary needs. Here are a few low-carb options:
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles): Spiralized zucchini provides a low-carb alternative to pasta while still soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Spaghetti squash: Roast or microwave spaghetti squash and use the tender strands in place of traditional pasta.
- Cauliflower rice: This works well if you want to avoid pasta altogether. The cauliflower will absorb the sauce and add a light, veggie-based twist.
For more low-carb recipe ideas, you can explore this guide on using zucchini in cooking.
3. Add a Crunchy Topping
If you love texture contrasts, consider adding a crunchy topping to the dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Breadcrumbs: Toast some breadcrumbs with butter and garlic, and sprinkle them over the finished dish.
- Toasted pine nuts: These add a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it has thickened, and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
It’s possible to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, but the pasta may not hold up well to freezing. If you plan to freeze, keep the pasta and sauce separate. Store the sauce and chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I serve alongside Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
To balance out the richness of the pasta, serve it with:
- Garlic bread: For a carb-heavy feast, try this garlic bread recipe.
- Caesar salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing cut through the creaminess of the pasta.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan pasta recipe brings all the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether you’re using a store-bought sauce or making it from scratch, this recipe is sure to please the entire family. By incorporating variations such as adding vegetables, making it low-carb, or adding a spicy twist, you can easily customize this dish to suit your tastes.
For more meal inspiration, recipes, and tips, check out AeriaRecipes, where you’ll find a variety of delicious dishes to recreate at home.