Imagine the tantalizing aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the savoury scent of perfectly cooked chicken and al dente pasta. This mouthwatering combination comes together in a dish taking the culinary world by storm – Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This article will guide you through creating this delectable meal, exploring its origins, variations, and tips for achieving restaurant-quality results in your home.
As we embark on this gastronomic journey, we’ll explore variations to suit different dietary needs and preferences and tips for perfecting your technique. So, tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and dive into the world of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dish
Creating the ideal Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta requires carefully selecting quality ingredients. Each component is crucial in achieving the perfect balance of flavours and textures. Let’s break down the essential elements:
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Ensure the chicken is fresh and of high quality
- Consider organic or free-range options for enhanced flavour
- Pasta: Choose a shape that holds sauce well (e.g., Penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- Use high-quality pasta made from durum wheat semolina
- Consider whole wheat options for added nutritional value
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Use the original sauce for authentic flavour
- Look for it in the condiment aisle of your local grocery store
- Consider making a homemade version for a personalized touch
- Dairy Components: Heavy cream or half-and-half for richness
- Cream cheese for added creaminess and tanginess
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for depth of flavour
- Aromatics and Seasonings: Fresh garlic cloves for a robust flavour
- Italian seasoning blend for added depth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Additional Ingredients: Butter for sautéing and added richness
- Chicken broth for thinning the sauce if needed
- Fresh parsley for garnish and a pop of colour
When selecting these ingredients, prioritize freshness and quality. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your final dish will be. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands or varieties to find the combination that best suits your taste preferences.
If you’re interested in more delicious sauce ideas, check out our guide on Sour Cream Enchilada Sauce and 10-Minute Garlic Parmesan Sauce for additional inspiration!
Remember, the key to a successful Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in the harmony of these ingredients. Each element should complement the others, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Preparing the Chicken: Techniques for Tender, Flavorful Results
The chicken is a cornerstone of this dish, and preparing it correctly is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some techniques to ensure your chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavour:
- Selecting the Right Cut: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are popular for their leanness
- Chicken thighs offer more flavour and are less prone to drying out
- Consider using a mix of both for varied textures and flavour
- Proper Seasoning: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better adherence
- Use a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for 15-30 minutes before cooking
- Cooking Methods: a) Grilling:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat
- Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Pan-Searing:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil
- Cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Place chicken in a baking dish and cook for 25-30 minutes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked
- Slicing and Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the pasta
- Flavor Enhancements: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking
- Brush with Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavour
- Consider bringing the chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking for increased juiciness
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By following these techniques, you’ll ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour, ready to be incorporated into your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Remember, the key is to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry, tough chicken that detracts from the overall dish.
Mastering the Sauce: Creating the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Base
The sauce is the heart and soul of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Achieving the right balance of creaminess, garlic flavour, and cheesy goodness is essential for a truly memorable dish. Here’s how to create the perfect sauce:
- Starting with the Base: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute)
- Pour in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Adding Creaminess: Incorporate heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring constantly
- Add softened cream cheese, breaking it into small pieces for easier melting.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporating Cheese: Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.
- Allow the cheese to melt completely before adding more.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to achieve your desired level of cheesiness.
- Seasoning and Flavoring: Add Italian seasoning for depth of flavour
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Achieving the Right Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with chicken broth or pasta water
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce
- Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of white wine for complexity (optional)
- Incorporate a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for varied flavor profiles
- Homemade Sauce Option: If you prefer to make the sauce from scratch, Combine melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning
- Simmer until thickened, then season to taste.
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Remember, the key to a great sauce is balance. Taste as you go and adjust the flavours to suit your preferences. With practice, you’ll develop an intuition for creating the perfect garlic Parmesan sauce that rivals any restaurant version.
Choosing and Cooking the Perfect Pasta
The pasta you choose is crucial in the overall texture and enjoyment of your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Here’s how to select and prepare the ideal pasta for this dish:
- Selecting the Right Shape: Opt for shapes that hold sauce well, such as Penne or tubular shapes with ridges for sauce adherence
- Rotini: A spiral shape that traps sauce in its crevices
- Farfalle: Bow-tie shape with a mix of textures
- Fusilli: A corkscrew shape that holds sauce beautifully
- Choosing Quality Pasta: Look for pasta made from durum wheat semolina for the best texture
- Consider whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary preferences.
- Fresh pasta can be used for a more delicate texture, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Proper Cooking Technique: Use a large pot with plenty of water (about 4 quarts per pound of pasta)
- Salt the water generously (it should taste like seawater)
- Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding pasta.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cooking to Al Dente: Follow package instructions for cooking times, but start checking 1-2 minutes before the suggested time
- Aim for pasta that’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente)
- Remember that pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Draining and Finishing: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining (it can be used to adjust sauce consistency)
- Avoid rinsing the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- If not using immediately, toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Incorporating into the Dish: Add the pasta directly to the sauce in the pan
- Toss gently to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavours.
- Alternative Pasta Options: For a lower-carb version, consider using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
- Protein-enriched pasta can be used for an extra nutritional boost.
- Experiment with different grain-based kinds of pasta like quinoa or chickpea pasta for varied flavours and textures
Discover our delicious Homemade Garlic Parmesan Seasoning
By carefully selecting and properly cooking your pasta, you’ll ensure it serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender chicken in your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Bringing It All Together: Assembling the Perfect Dish
Now that we’ve mastered the individual components, it’s time to bring everything together to create the ultimate Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Follow these steps for a perfectly assembled dish:
- Timing is Key: Start cooking the pasta when the sauce is nearly ready
- Have the chicken cooked and sliced before beginning the sauce
- Combining the Elements: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan with the sauce
- Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly
- Fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s well-distributed
- Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time
- For a thinner sauce, incorporate more cream or chicken broth
- Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed
- Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Sprinkle in additional Parmesan cheese if desired
- Garnishing: Add a handful of freshly chopped parsley for colour and freshness
- Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Consider adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for richness
- Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately while hot
- Use warmed plates to keep the dish at the optimal temperature
- Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal
- Presentation Tips: Use a large, shallow bowl for an attractive presentation
- Twirl the pasta with tongs for a visually appealing height
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a lemon wedge for added flair
- Finishing Touches: Offer additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes at the table
- Provide lemon wedges for those who enjoy a citrusy kick
- Consider serving with a glass of crisp white wine for a perfect pairing
By following these assembly steps, you’ll create a cohesive and visually appealing Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s sure to impress. Remember, the key is to work quickly once the pasta is cooked to ensure everything is served at the optimal temperature.
lanced diet. For specific dietary needs or health concerns, consult a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Do garlic parmesan wings have dairy?
Yes, garlic parmesan wings typically contain dairy. The parmesan cheese used in the sauce is a dairy product, and many recipes include butter or cream, which are dairy-based. If you have a dairy allergy or intolerance, avoiding this flavour or looking for dairy-free alternatives is best.
2- Can Buffalo Wild Wings parmesan garlic sauce be used as a marinade?
Absolutely! Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce can make an excellent chicken, pork, or vegetable marinade. To use it as a marinade, coat your protein or vegetables in the sauce and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for more intense flavour). Remember to discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw meat.
3- What are the ingredients in Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan?
While the exact recipe is proprietary, the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce typically includes ingredients such as:
- Soybean oil
- Water
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Egg yolk
- Salt
- Spices
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Natural flavours
- Xanthan gum (as a thickener)
Always check the label for the most up-to-date ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
4- What goes well with garlic parmesan chicken?
Garlic parmesan chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Pasta: As in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe
- Roasted vegetables: Such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
- Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad complements the rich flavours
- Rice: White or brown rice can absorb the delicious sauce
- Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up extra sauce
- Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or as fries
- Light white wine: Such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Lemon wedges: For a bright, citrusy contrast
Remember, the best pairings often depend on personal taste preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has rightfully earned its place as a beloved comfort food dish. It combines the rich flavours of garlic and Parmesan with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This culinary creation offers a delightful balance of creamy indulgence and savoury satisfaction that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Throughout this article, we’ve explored the origins of this popular dish, delved into the essential ingredients, and provided step-by-step guidance for creating your mouthwatering version at home. We’ve also discussed various techniques for perfecting each component, from properly cooking the chicken to achieving the ideal sauce consistency.