There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold garlic-parmesan flavor, it’s no wonder this dish has taken the internet — and dinner tables — by storm. Whether you’re inspired by the Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe or searching for an easy garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta crock pot version, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to make this iconic dish, including the dump and bake garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta method, as well as the classic garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake. From stovetop to slow cooker, you’ll find exactly what you need to serve a meal that everyone will love.
What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta So Popular?
First, it’s the flavor combination — garlic and parmesan are a match made in heaven. Combine them with creamy sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and pasta, and you get an unforgettable dinner.
Second, it’s versatility. You can make it in the crockpot, on the stove, or as a baked pasta casserole. Plus, with the popularity of restaurant dishes like Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, home cooks are eager to recreate this comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a basic version of garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta, here’s what you’ll typically need:
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2–3 chicken breasts (or thighs)
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2 cups of heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese
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2–4 cloves garlic (minced)
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
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Optional: Italian seasoning, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes
Of course, you can adjust quantities and extras depending on whether you’re going for a creamy stovetop version or a garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta bake.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
For those who prefer crispy, baked textures, the garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta bake is an ideal option. It’s especially popular as a creamy garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta bake that bubbles with flavor.
How to Make It:
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Cook your chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
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Prepare the sauce in the same skillet — sauté garlic, add cream, and melt in parmesan cheese.
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Mix sauce with cooked pasta and diced chicken in a baking dish.
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Top with mozzarella or more parmesan.
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Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
This dump and bake garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta version is also great — simply toss all ingredients into a baking dish and bake!
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Yes, this exists — and it’s gone viral for a reason. The Buffalo Wild Wings garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta is bold, creamy, and packs a garlicky punch.
Copycat Recipe Version:
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Use Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, which is available in stores or online.
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Sear chicken and toss with the sauce.
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Make a garlic cream sauce with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan.
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Combine the sauce, chicken, and cooked pasta.
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Top with extra sauce and a sprinkle of herbs.
Want it spicy? Add a dash of crushed red pepper or a spoon of hot sauce.
This Buffalo Wild Wings garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta stove top recipe is perfect when you need a quick, restaurant-style meal at home.
Pasta Types That Work Best
When preparing garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta, the type of pasta you choose can significantly enhance the final result. To begin with, selecting the right pasta ensures that the sauce clings well and delivers a satisfying bite.
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First of all, penne is a fantastic option because it holds the sauce effectively and is easy to mix with the chicken and creamy blend.
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In addition, rotini works great due to its spiral shape, which traps sauce in every twist, adding flavor to each forkful.
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Moreover, fettuccine pairs perfectly with creamy sauces, making it ideal for a more indulgent version of the dish.
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Similarly, ziti or rigatoni are excellent choices for baked recipes, especially if you’re going for a garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake.
However, it’s best to avoid thinner pastas like angel hair, as they tend to get mushy under the weight of the heavier, creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Tips for the Best Flavor
To elevate your garlic parmesan chicken pasta to the next level, here are a few expert tips that make a noticeable difference.
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Firstly, always opt for fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. It provides a richer, more authentic flavor that stands out in the dish.
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Secondly, shred your own parmesan cheese. Not only does it melt more evenly, but also it enhances the overall creaminess.
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Furthermore, adding sautéed onions or mushrooms gives the dish a deeper umami note that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.
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Next, make sure your chicken is well-seasoned. Pan-frying it with Italian seasoning or paprika before mixing it into the pasta adds a delicious layer of flavor.
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Lastly, don’t forget the garnish. Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving adds color, aroma, and a final touch of freshness.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
One of the easiest and most hands-off versions is the crockpot garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta. Here’s how to make it:
Step-by-Step Crockpot Method:
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Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Add a jar of garlic parmesan sauce or create your own using cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
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Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours.
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Shred the chicken directly in the pot.
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Add cooked pasta and stir everything together.
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Optional: Top with extra parmesan and parsley before serving.
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta crock pot recipe is perfect for busy families and meal preppers.
Make It Healthier
Alternatively, you can tweak the recipe for a lighter version without losing any of the flavor. For instance, try using whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta instead of traditional noodles. In place of heavy cream, you could opt for Greek yogurt or unsweetened almond milk combined with a splash of cornstarch to maintain creaminess. Additionally, consider adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value. As a result, these simple swaps make it easy to enjoy garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta without any guilt.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Another reason this dish is so beloved is that it reheats beautifully. In fact, the creamy sauce continues to cling to the pasta, and even better, the flavor often deepens overnight.
When it comes to storage, here are a few helpful tips:
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First, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
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Next, if you want to keep it longer, freeze individual portions for up to three months.
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Then, when you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
All in all, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy dinner party, garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta never disappoints.
Author Bio Table
Name | Kevin Brooks |
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Role | Recipe Contributor |
Expertise | Comfort Food Recipes |
Location | Austin, TX |
Favorite | Garlic Parmesan Chicken |
Final Thoughts
Few dishes deliver the combination of ease, richness, and family-pleasing flavor like garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta. From the viral Buffalo Wild Wings garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta to the satisfying creamy garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta bake, there’s a version for every craving and kitchen style.
Whether you’re dumping ingredients into a slow cooker or crafting a restaurant-style meal on the stove, this dish always hits the spot. And because of its flexibility, it can be made weeknight-simple or dinner-party elegant.
So the next time you’re looking for comfort food that’s sure to wow, garlic_parmesan_chicken_pasta should be at the top of your list.
FAQs
1. Can I make garlic parmesan chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes! It stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Freshly grated parmesan is best, but you can mix in mozzarella for added meltiness.
3. Is Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta spicy?
Not really — it’s flavorful, not hot. But you can spice it up with red pepper flakes.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Let it cool, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.