Introduction
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. If you’ve ever dipped a wing into that rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce at BWW, you already know how good it is. This pasta recipe brings that same bold taste straight to your dinner table, and the best part? It’s made right in your slow cooker for a hands-off, hearty meal.
The exact focus keyphrase Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta shows up here because, let’s be honest, that sauce is the star. The slow-cooked chicken soaks up all those flavors while the pasta turns it into a complete, filling dish. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, a hungry spouse, or just want leftovers that don’t get boring, this one’s a keeper. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients, and prep takes no time. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here’s everything you need to whip up this cheesy chicken pasta. Double it for a crowd, or cut in half if you’re cooking for two — either way, it’s super easy to customize.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
(Either works, but thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy.) - 1 bottle (12 oz) Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
(If you can’t find it, you can sub a homemade version — more on that in the FAQ.) - 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
(Adds that rich, creamy texture.) - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
(Freshly shredded works best but bagged is fine too.) - 1 cup milk or heavy cream
(Cream makes it richer, milk keeps it lighter.) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
(Optional, for a little boost in garlic flavor.) - Salt and pepper to taste
(Don’t forget to taste before serving!) - 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni all work great)
(Cooked separately and added in at the end.)
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Making Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is super low effort, but having the right tools makes it even easier. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you get started:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker):
This is the main player. A 6-quart Crockpot works best for this recipe, giving you plenty of room for the chicken, sauce, and pasta. If yours is a bit smaller, just watch for overflow once you add the cooked pasta at the end. - Large Pot (for pasta):
You’ll cook the pasta separately, so you’ll need a big enough pot to boil water and stir things easily. - Colander or Strainer:
Handy for draining the pasta once it’s cooked. You don’t want soggy noodles, so give them a good shake! - Measuring Cups and Spoons:
These help with accuracy when adding your milk or cream, garlic powder, and cheese. Close enough isn’t always good enough when it comes to cheesy sauces. - Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula:
For stirring everything together once it’s all done — especially important when mixing in the cooked pasta and cheese. - Tongs or Forks (for shredding):
Two forks do the trick just fine for shredding the chicken right in the Crockpot. You can also use tongs if you prefer pulling the chicken out first. - Serving Bowls or Meal Prep Containers:
This recipe makes a lot, so it’s perfect for leftovers. Prep a few containers ahead of time for easy lunches later in the week.
Once you’ve got your gear ready, it’s go-time. This next part shows just how hands-off this meal really is.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season and prep the chicken
Start by laying your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your Crockpot. You don’t need to cut them up — they’ll shred easily once they’re cooked. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. This gives a nice base flavor before the sauce even hits.
Step 2: Add ingredients to the Crockpot
Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the chicken. Next, drop in the softened cream cheese (just break it into a few chunks), then add your milk or cream. Everything will melt down and mix together as it cooks. Give it a quick stir if you want, but it’s not necessary — the slow cooker will take care of it.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Pop the lid on your Crockpot and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours. The key here is making sure the chicken is cooked all the way through and super tender. Resist the urge to open the lid too much — every peek lets heat out and slows down the process.
Step 4: Shred chicken and add cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the Crockpot. It should pull apart easily. Stir everything together — the sauce will be thick, creamy, and full of flavor. Now, toss in the shredded Parmesan cheese and give it another good stir until the cheese melts in.
Step 5: Cook the pasta and combine everything
While the cheese is melting, boil your pasta in a large pot according to the package directions. Make sure not to overcook it — you want it firm enough to hold up in the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and stir it into the Crockpot mixture until everything is well coated. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors really sink in.
That’s it! Your creamy, dreamy, Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready to serve.
Tasty Tips and Fun Variations for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Want to make this Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even more crave-worthy? Here are some fun ideas and helpful tips to make it fit your style or use what you already have in the kitchen.
- Add veggies:
Toss in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes at the end for a little color and texture. Veggies not only brighten things up but help balance the richness. - Make it spicy:
The garlic Parmesan sauce is mild, so if you’re craving heat, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. Even a splash of Buffalo sauce can add that signature BWW kick. - Switch up the pasta:
Rotini, penne, bowtie, or rigatoni all work great. Want to cut carbs? Use cooked spaghetti squash or a low-carb pasta alternative. - Try a different protein:
Not feeling chicken? This recipe works with cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage. Just make sure whatever you use is cooked through before adding it. - Serve it differently:
Spoon it over garlic bread, stuff it into bell peppers, or use it as a baked pasta base with a little extra cheese on top. It’s super flexible. - Make it ahead:
You can prep the sauce and chicken the day before and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just reheat on low and stir in freshly cooked pasta. - Garnish like a pro:
A sprinkle of chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a few sliced green onions on top makes it look and taste restaurant-worthy.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to make your own. Just a couple of tweaks and it feels like a brand-new dish.
For a high-protein, crunchy snack on the side, try these Cottage Cheese Chips — they’re surprisingly satisfying next to creamy pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Making Creamy Chicken Pasta
Even a simple Crockpot recipe can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are the most common slip-ups and how to steer clear of them:
- Using frozen chicken without thawing:
Always thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Starting with frozen meat can cause uneven cooking and even food safety issues. - Overcooking the pasta:
Pasta should be cooked separately and added at the end. If you cook it in the Crockpot or let it sit too long, it’ll turn mushy and soak up too much sauce. - Not softening the cream cheese:
Cold cream cheese takes longer to melt and can leave chunks in the sauce. Let it sit out before adding or warm it slightly in the microwave. - Forgetting to taste and season:
The sauce brings flavor, but depending on your preferences, you may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning to brighten things up. - Adding cheese too early:
Don’t toss the shredded Parmesan in until after the chicken is shredded. Adding it too soon can make it clump or get stringy in the wrong way. - Overfilling the Crockpot:
Be sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle everything, especially when you stir in the pasta. Overflow can lead to uneven mixing and a big mess.
Avoid these hiccups, and you’re on your way to slow-cooked pasta perfection.
Health Perks of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
While Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is definitely a comfort food dish, it still has a few things going for it when it comes to nutrition — especially if you tweak it a bit.
- Protein-packed goodness:
With chicken as the base, you’re getting a solid dose of lean protein in every serving. That helps keep you feeling full and gives your body what it needs to build and repair. - Garlic’s immune-boosting power:
Garlic isn’t just tasty — it’s also packed with antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties. Some folks swear it helps ward off colds and flu, too. - Calcium from all that cheese:
Parmesan and cream cheese bring more than just flavor. They’re rich in calcium, which is great for your bones and teeth. Just don’t go overboard if you’re watching your fat intake. - Customizable ingredients:
You can easily sub in low-fat cream cheese or use whole wheat pasta to bump up the fiber. Adding veggies like spinach or broccoli also turns this into a more balanced meal. - Portion control is key:
This pasta is rich, so serving it with a side salad or veggies helps stretch the meal and keep portions in check. You can also freeze leftovers to avoid eating it all in one sitting (tempting though it may be). - Energy-boosting carbs:
Pasta provides quick fuel for your body and brain — great if you’ve got a busy day ahead or need a filling dinner after a long one.
Sure, it’s creamy and cheesy, but with smart tweaks and good sides, this meal can totally fit into a balanced diet.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is super satisfying on its own, but a few well-picked sides or drinks can round it out into a full-on feast. Here are some pairing ideas that go great with all that creamy, garlicky goodness.
- A fresh green salad:
Something crisp with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Think romaine, arugula, or even a classic Caesar. - Garlic bread or breadsticks:
If you’re already going all-in on carbs, why not? A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. - Roasted veggies:
Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan add color and a healthy touch. - Steamed broccoli or green beans:
These simple sides add crunch and freshness without competing with the strong garlic-Parmesan flavor. - Wine or sparkling water:
If you’re having a glass of wine, a chilled white like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs nicely. Or keep it casual with sparkling water and lemon. - Leftovers reimagined:
Try stuffing the pasta into a baked potato, using it as a cheesy sandwich filling, or baking it with extra cheese on top for a new twist.
It’s easy to serve this pasta as a main course and still keep things light and fresh on the side. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, you’ve got options.
If you’re looking for a side that balances the richness of the pasta, this Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice makes an easy, flavorful pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crockpot?
Yes, you totally can. Just use the sauté function first to lightly brown the chicken (optional), then add the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce, cream cheese, milk or cream, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and add your cooked pasta just like you would in the Crockpot version. Super quick and just as creamy.
I can’t find the BWW sauce in the store — can I make my own?
Absolutely! If your store’s out or you want to skip the bottled version, you can make a simple copycat sauce. Just mix 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a splash of milk or cream. Taste and tweak until it hits that bold, tangy garlic flavor. It’s not identical, but it hits pretty close to home.
Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on the stovetop?
For sure. You’ll just need to cook the chicken in a large skillet first — either cube it or cook whole and shred after. Once it’s cooked through, add the sauce ingredients (BWW sauce, cream cheese, milk or cream, and Parmesan) to the pan. Let everything melt together over low heat, then stir in the pasta. It’s faster than the Crockpot method and still super tasty.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can, but there’s a catch. For food safety, it’s best to thaw the chicken before putting it in the Crockpot. Slow cookers take a long time to reach a safe cooking temp, so using frozen meat can risk bacteria hanging around. If you’re in a rush and using an Instant Pot instead, frozen chicken works fine — just add a couple of minutes to the cook time.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this pasta keeps well for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just note that the sauce may separate a bit when reheated, but a splash of milk or cream and a good stir will bring it back to life.
Is this pasta super spicy?
Not at all! The Garlic Parmesan sauce from BWW is more zesty than spicy. If you’re heat-sensitive, you’re safe. But if you do like heat, feel free to add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short noodles like rotini, penne, rigatoni, or shells all hold the sauce really well. Long pasta like spaghetti works too but might be a little harder to mix evenly with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that feels like takeout but tastes even better homemade. It’s creamy, garlicky, just the right amount of cheesy, and the slow cooker makes the whole process a breeze. Whether you’re using the real-deal BWW sauce or mixing up your own version, the end result is always comforting and full of flavor.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s super easy to tweak — swap proteins, add veggies, bump up the heat, or lighten it up if you want. However you make it, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be going back for seconds.
If you like bold, comforting meals like this pasta, you might also love this rich and flavorful Hawaiian Beef Stew.
