Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta: A Mouthwatering Delight
Dive into the world of creamy, cheesy goodness with this Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. A dish that’s taken social media by storm, it’s a perfect blend of savory flavors and tender pasta, all coated in a rich, garlic parmesan sauce that’s to die for. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste from the comfort of your home.
The Secret Behind the Sauce
At the heart of this dish is the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, a concoction that combines the robust flavors of roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and a hint of heat from red chilies. It’s a sauce that transforms ordinary ingredients into a meal you’ll crave again and again.
For those interested in the culinary magic behind pasta dishes, exploring Cooking Techniques for Perfect Pasta can provide insights into achieving the ideal pasta texture and flavor, enhancing your overall cooking experience.
Detailed Ingredients Breakdown for Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Chicken: Opt for 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts or thighs. The choice between breasts and thighs is up to personal preference; breasts are leaner, while thighs offer a juicier texture. Both options should be trimmed of excess fat and tendons for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil are required for grilling the chicken. Olive oil not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of your favorite chicken seasoning blend to enhance the flavor of the chicken. Whether you prefer something spicy, herby, or with a touch of garlic, the right seasoning can elevate the chicken to new heights.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter form the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth. It also helps to smoothly blend the cream cheese and garlic parmesan sauce together.
- Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block of cream cheese is key to the creamy texture of the sauce. It should be softened to room temperature to mix easily without lumps.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: 12 ounces of this signature sauce bring the distinctive Buffalo Wild Wings flavor to your pasta. Its garlicky, cheesy, and slightly spicy taste is what makes this dish stand out.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option) is used to adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it perfectly coat the pasta without being overly thick.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly complements the garlic parmesan sauce. It also contributes to the sauce’s silky texture.
- Pasta Selection: 1 pound of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine, serves as the base of the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Season Well: Begin by generously seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with your chosen chicken seasoning. This could be a simple mix of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs or a store-bought blend designed for poultry.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil to ensure it doesn’t stick. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until there’s a nice char on the outside and the inside is no longer pink. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, let it rest before slicing into strips or cubes.
Cooking the Pasta
- Pasta Choice: Select your pasta. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well with this recipe as they hold the sauce nicely.
- Boil: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, but do not rinse, to ensure the sauce clings to the pasta.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Foundation: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the block of cream cheese, breaking it into chunks to help it melt more smoothly.
- Blend: Once the butter and cream cheese have melded together, pour in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and heavy cream. Stir continuously to combine into a creamy, homogenous mixture.
- Enhance: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit more heavy cream or some pasta water.
Combining Ingredients
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the grilled, sliced chicken to the sauce, letting it simmer briefly to soak up the flavors.
- Mix with Pasta: Finally, fold the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. A gentle heat helps to meld everything together.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked pasta can ruin the dish’s texture. Aim for al dente to ensure the pasta remains firm and satisfying.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Taste the sauce before combining with pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can elevate the entire dish.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after grilling. This step ensures it retains its juices, making it tender and flavorful when added to the pasta.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce thickens too much upon cooling, gently reheat it, adding a splash of heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor, creamy in texture, and sure to impress any dinner guest.
Nutritional Insight
This Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta is not only a feast for the senses but also provides a hearty nutritional profile. On average, a serving of this delicious dish contains approximately 720 calories. It is important to understand its macronutrient breakdown to appreciate its place in a balanced diet. Each serving offers about 35 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The carbohydrates content stands at 65 grams, providing the necessary energy for your daily activities. The dish is rich in fats, totaling 35 grams per serving, with 18 grams of this being saturated fats, contributing to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the sauce. While it is a bit indulgent, enjoying this pasta as part of a balanced diet can provide a satisfying and flavorful meal option.
Serving Up Delight
- Recommended Side Dishes:
- A light, crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic bread, toasted to perfection, is ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce and adding a crunchy texture.
- Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, provide a healthy, colorful side that complements the richness of the pasta.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve the pasta in a shallow bowl to showcase the creamy sauce and the grilled chicken.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to add color and fresh flavor.
- If you’re looking to impress, drizzle a little olive oil over the dish and add a few cracks of black pepper before serving to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance.
The Versatility of Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Exploring different proteins or making the dish spicier can bring a new dimension to this classic recipe:
- Using Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef or sautéed shrimp for a different flavor profile. Both options beautifully complement the garlic parmesan sauce, offering a rich and satisfying alternative.
- Spicier Version Suggestions: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a spoonful of spicy chili sauce. This will not only elevate the flavors but also add a warm, spicy kick to every bite.
- Vegetarian Adaptations: Beyond replacing the chicken with vegetables or tofu, consider incorporating roasted cauliflower or a blend of wild mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly feast. These ingredients add depth and earthiness to the dish, making it just as satisfying without the meat.
FAQs: Mastering the Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using penne, rotini, or fettuccine for their ability to hold sauce well, you are welcome to use any type of pasta you prefer. Short pastas like bow ties or shells work great for a fun twist, or you can opt for long strands like spaghetti or linguine for a classic feel.
How can I make the dish vegetarian? To create a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, such as grilled tofu, tempeh, or a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. This not only maintains the creamy and savory qualities of the dish but also adds a delightful variety of textures.
What are some alternatives if I can’t find BWW Garlic Parmesan Sauce? If the BWW Garlic Parmesan Sauce is unavailable, look for any garlic parmesan sauce at your grocery store, or you can make your own by combining minced garlic, parmesan cheese, cream, and a touch of Italian seasoning. The homemade sauce can be adjusted according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the burst of flavors this dish has to offer!
You can read these articles too
- Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Pastina Recipes
- Slow Cooker Overnight Safety: Guidelines for Warm Setting Use
Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe brings the bold flavors of BWW’s garlic parmesan sauce to your dinner table. With a creamy, cheesy base and tender grilled chicken, it’s a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp favorite chicken seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 12 oz Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Instructions
- Season and grill the chicken until cooked through; set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large pan, melt butter and cream cheese. Stir in garlic parmesan sauce and heavy cream.
- Chop grilled chicken and add to the sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes. Can substitute cream cheese with heavy cream for a thinner sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 155mg