Oh, my dear friends, if you could only smell the delightful aroma wafting through my kitchen right now! I’m here to share one of my absolute favorites with you – Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky dream come true! I remember the first time I whipped it up for a game night with friends. We settled in with napkins on laps, and with every bite, we kept accidentally spilling pasta sauce and laughing until our sides hurt.
What makes this dish even more special is that it’s inspired by a beloved restaurant chain. I mean, who doesn’t love a good Buffalo Wild Wings outing? Now, you can enjoy that same lovely, rich flavor right from the comfort of your home. It’s perfect for those lazy weekends or when you want to impress someone special without being slaved to the stove. So grab your aprons, and let’s get cookin’!
What’s in Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The heart of this recipe! I love how tender and juicy the chicken becomes after slow cooking. Perfect for shredding and mixing into the pasta!
Penne pasta: This pasta shape is just right for holding all that creamy sauce. Plus, it has a delightful bite to it!
Chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the chicken as it cooks. I usually go for low-sodium broth to keep a better handle on saltiness.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so luscious and creamy! If you want something lighter, you might consider half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Because what’s pasta without cheese?! The sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan is a must for this dish.
Garlic: Ah, garlic! The more, the merrier, I say! Minced garlic brings a beautiful aromatic flavor that elevates this entire dish.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that’s essential for that classic Italian flavor profile.
Red pepper flakes: For a little kick! You can adjust this to your spice tolerance – I like it a bit spicy, so I use a little more!
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other wonderful flavors in the dish.
Fresh parsley: A colorful touch and a delightful fresh flavor for garnish.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Good for You?
Absolutely! While this dish is undeniably rich and indulgent, it does feature lots of wholesome ingredients. Let’s break it down:
Chicken: A great source of lean protein, helping keep your muscles strong and your energy levels high.
Pasta: When made with whole grain, it can offer fiber and nutrients, but feel free to choose gluten-free or legume-based pasta if that suits your dietary needs!
Heavy cream: While it brings that luxurious texture, it’s high in calories and saturated fat. Try to keep portions in check if you’re mindful of calories.
Parmesan cheese: Packed with calcium, it can be beneficial in moderation, adding that savory flavor we all love.
Overall, enjoy this dish with a side salad or roasted veggies to balance it out. It’s all about moderation, right?
Here’s What You’ll Need:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups penne pasta
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
*Serves: 4-6 people*
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Alright, my cooking enthusiasts, here’s how we turn these ingredients into a creamy pasta delight!
1. In a slow cooker, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let’s make sure that chicken is flavorful!
2. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and let that magic happen – cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until it’s cooked through and super easy to shred.
3. About 30 minutes before your chicken is ready, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside while the chicken finishes.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the slow cooker with two forks. It should fall apart like a dream! Stir in the minced garlic and heavy cream, mixing it all well.
5. Add in the cooked penne pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together, combining those creamy, cheesy flavors. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low, so those flavors can meld beautifully.
6. Taste it! This is the fun part – adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Because we all love that pop of green to make it pretty!
Delicious Tips and Variations!
– Want to add veggies? Throw in some spinach or peas – they’ll add color and nutrition!
– If you’re looking for a protein-packed punch, consider adding some chickpeas or white beans.
– You can swap the penne for any pasta shape you like. Fettuccine or farfalle would be delightful too!
– Feeling extra indulgent? Consider a sprinkle of more Parmesan on top when serving for that extra cheesy goodness.
There you have it, my friends! A warm, cheesy bowl of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. I promise, once you’ve tried this, it will become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. I can’t wait for you to experience this deliciousness, so wrangle up your ingredients and dive in! Happy cooking, and please share how it turned out for you!
