Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Intro

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe fans, I know exactly why you’re here. Because once you taste that creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness at the restaurant, it becomes one of those dishes you keep thinking about days later. And then the craving hits. Again. And again.

I’ve always loved Buffalo Wild Wings for their wings (obviously), but the day I discovered their Garlic Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta, my life took a small but meaningful turn. Creamy garlic sauce. Buttery parmesan. A comforting bowl of noodles that somehow tastes bold and cozy at the same time.

Now, I’m a chef — but also a woman who loves cooking in pajamas at midnight — so of course I had to recreate it. And after many tests, tweaks, and moments of “okay, this is almost it,” I finally nailed a version that tastes just as good, maybe even better, than the restaurant one.

Today, I’m letting you into my kitchen so you can make this creamy masterpiece at home too.


What Is Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

This dish is basically comfort food wearing a spicy, garlicky, cheesy fancy dress. Buffalo Wild Wings is known for their sauces — and the Garlic Parmesan flavor is one of their most popular. It’s creamy, tangy, buttery, cheesy, and has a kick of garlic that makes you want another bite immediately.

When they toss that sauce with hot pasta (usually rotini or penne), and sometimes chicken on top, it becomes a whole meal. We’re talking:

  • Creamy garlic sauce
  • Tangy parmesan cheese
  • Rich buttery notes
  • A hint of heat
  • Pasta that absorbs ALL that goodness

At the restaurant, it’s rich and addictive. At home? You get the same iconic flavor, but you control the ingredients, the spice level, the creaminess, and the portion size. And trust me, homemade means you’ll end up making this way more than once.


The Story of My Discovery of This

My first taste wasn’t even intentional. I was out with friends, and someone ordered the pasta. I stole one bite — ONE — and instantly regretted not ordering my own. The garlic hit first, then the creaminess, then the parmesan, and suddenly I was plotting a remake in my head.

A few days later, I was in my kitchen with three pots going at once, garlic everywhere, parmesan on my shirt, trying to nail the flavor. And once I got it right, I may or may not have eaten two bowls in silence like it was a spiritual experience.


Equipment List

Nothing fancy. If you can boil pasta, you’re set.

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Deep sauté pan or skillet
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or pasta spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Grater (for fresh parmesan)
  • Mixing bowl (optional for tossing)
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce (optional but boosts authenticity)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Protein

  • 2 cups grilled or pan-seared chicken
  • Or crispy chicken bites
  • Or shrimp (honestly amazing)

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra parmesan
  • Parsley
  • Crushed red pepper
  • Lemon zest

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Don’t overcook! You want it firm enough to hold the sauce.

Drain and set aside, but keep 1/2 cup pasta water just in case you want to thin the sauce later.


2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant — not browned.

Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking as it warms.

Add the parmesan cheese gradually so it melts smoothly.

Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, lemon juice, and the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce if using.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.

Taste. Adjust salt, pepper, and spice to your liking.


3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce pan.

Use tongs or a spoon to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water.


4. Add Your Protein (Optional but Recommended)

Top with sliced chicken, crispy bites, or shrimp.


5. Serve Hot

Add extra parmesan on top, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy immediately.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Why This Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Works

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe dishes rely on bold flavor layered into creamy richness. What makes this homemade version so spot-on is the balance:

  • Butter provides richness
  • Heavy cream makes it velvety
  • Garlic adds the punch
  • Parmesan adds saltiness and body
  • Lemon balances the cream
  • Crushed red pepper brings subtle heat
  • Optional BWW sauce makes it authentically tangy

The sauce coats the pasta beautifully and clings to the curves of rotini or penne so you get flavor in every bite.


The Flavor Profile: What You Can Expect

This dish sits in that perfect sweet spot between creamy alfredo and garlicky Italian pasta with a tiny bit of heat.

You’ll taste:

  • Rich, buttery cream sauce
  • Bold garlic that doesn’t overpower
  • Tangy, salty parmesan
  • A gentle spice (not too hot)
  • A hint of lemon brightening everything
  • Soft pasta soaked in flavor

It’s cozy but exciting. Comforting but bold. The best of both worlds.


Choosing the Best Parmesan

For the best flavor:

  • Use freshly grated, not the shelf-stable kind
  • Parmigiano Reggiano = ideal
  • Use more than you think you need
  • Don’t skip the lemon — it lifts the heavy dairy

Trust me, the cheese makes the dish.


Variations to Try

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve the pasta with sautéed chicken breast slices.

2. Crispy Buffalo Style

Top with crispy breaded chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce.

3. Spicy Kick Version

Add more crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

4. Shrimp Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Shrimp cooks fast and pairs perfectly with garlic.

5. Veggie Style

Add spinach, roasted broccoli, or mushrooms.


Dairy-Free or Lightened-Up Options

You can make this friendlier for dietary needs:

Dairy-Free

  • Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter
  • Use coconut cream + almond milk
  • Use vegan parmesan (nutritional yeast + vegan cheese blend)

Lightened-Up

  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half
  • Use less butter
  • Add chicken broth to thin sauce

Same flavor profile, lighter feel.


Tips for the Creamiest Sauce

To keep your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe silky:

  • Don’t boil the sauce — simmer only
  • Add cheese slowly
  • Always use freshly grated parmesan
  • Add pasta water only as needed
  • Stir often
  • Serve immediately

Cream sauces thicken fast, so timing matters.


Serving Ideas

This pasta pairs perfectly with:

  • Garlic bread
  • A simple green salad
  • Roasted veggies
  • Lemon wedges
  • Mozzarella sticks (yes, really)

Or eat it alone on the couch with Netflix. I won’t judge.


Storing and Reheating

This pasta reheats surprisingly well.

Store:

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat:

Warm gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Avoid microwaving dry — add liquid first.


Why Make It at Home?

Because restaurant cravings don’t always respect your schedule.
And homemade lets you:

  • Control the ingredients
  • Customize the flavor
  • Save money
  • Add more garlic (always more garlic)
  • Make a huge pot for leftovers

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about recreating a restaurant dish successfully in your own kitchen.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?

You can, but it won’t melt as smoothly.

Can I use spaghetti instead of rotini?

Yes, but textured pasta holds more sauce.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely — add red pepper or Buffalo sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but double the sauce ingredients exactly.


A Personal Note from My Kitchen

As a female chef, I love taking bold restaurant flavors and turning them into comforting home recipes. This one is a perfect example — strong garlic, creamy parmesan, cozy pasta, all in one bowl.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe dishes are meant to be shared, but also very satisfying eaten alone in fuzzy socks after a long day.

Cooking this at home always reminds me why I love kitchen experiments. A little garlic, a little butter, a little cheese, and suddenly everything feels better.


Final Thoughts

Now you have a full, flavorful, restaurant-inspired pasta recipe you can whip up anytime the craving hits.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe nights are delicious, comforting, and honestly a little addictive.

Make it creamy.
Make it garlicky.
Make it YOURS.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Olivia Brooks
The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe delivers creamy garlic sauce, Parmesan, and pasta for a satisfying meal at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 652 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Deep sauté pan or skillet
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or pasta spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
  • Mixing bowl (optional for tossing)
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • Salt for pasta water

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 –5 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce optional but boosts authenticity
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Protein

  • 2 cups grilled or pan-seared chicken
  • Or crispy chicken bites
  • Or shrimp honestly amazing

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra parmesan
  • Parsley
  • Crushed red pepper
  • Lemon zest

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Don’t overcook! You want it firm enough to hold the sauce.
  • Drain and set aside, but keep 1/2 cup pasta water just in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant — not browned.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking as it warms.
  • Add the parmesan cheese gradually so it melts smoothly.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, lemon juice, and the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce if using.
  • Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.
  • Taste. Adjust salt, pepper, and spice to your liking.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce pan.
  • Use tongs or a spoon to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
  • If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water.

Add Your Protein (Optional but Recommended)

  • Top with sliced chicken, crispy bites, or shrimp.

Serve Hot

  • Add extra parmesan on top, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy immediately.
Keyword Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Hi, Iโ€™m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere