buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta – Easy Dinner

ByBella Skye
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Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta is a creamy chicken pasta inspired by the rich garlic parmesan flavor that makes this style of dish so popular. It combines tender seasoned chicken, pasta, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, butter, and a smooth cream-based sauce into one satisfying dinner. The finished dish is savory, garlicky, creamy, and comforting, while still being simple enough for a home cook to prepare without complicated techniques.

Easy Pasta Recipes

The sauce is the heart of this recipe. Butter provides richness, fresh garlic creates the aromatic foundation, chicken broth adds savory depth, heavy cream gives the sauce body, and freshly grated parmesan contributes a salty, nutty flavor. When these ingredients are combined at the right temperature, they create a sauce that coats the pasta instead of becoming watery or separating.

The chicken is seasoned before it is cooked so it develops flavor independently from the sauce. This gives the finished pasta more depth because every bite contains seasoned chicken rather than plain meat covered in sauce. Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces also helps it cook consistently and makes it easier to distribute throughout the pasta.

Pasta selection matters as well. Penne, rotini, and rigatoni are excellent choices because their shapes hold creamy sauce particularly well. Fettuccine and linguine create a smoother, more elegant presentation, while spaghetti gives the dish a familiar family-dinner feel. The important point is to cook whichever pasta you choose until al dente so it remains firm enough to hold its texture when combined with the hot sauce.

Another important technique is saving some of the pasta cooking water. The starch released from the pasta gives this water a useful ability to loosen the sauce while helping it cling to the noodles. Adding it gradually gives you much more control than simply adding extra cream.

This recipe is also flexible enough to fit into different meal-preparation styles. You can prepare everything on the stovetop for a quick dinner, or use the garlic parmesan flavor as the foundation for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Meal ideas. For slow cooker preparations, the chicken and sauce are best cooked separately from the pasta, then combined shortly before serving.

If you enjoy planning simple family dinners, this recipe also fits naturally with Easy Crockpot Recipes With Few Ingredients Simple Dinners. The basic flavor profile depends on familiar ingredients, and the chicken can be prepared ahead of time when you need a convenient meal. The finished pasta is rich enough to feel like a special dinner but straightforward enough for a regular weeknight. Serve it with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy garlic parmesan sauce coats the pasta evenly and creates a smooth, rich texture in every bite.
  • Seasoned chicken adds substantial protein and gives the dish flavor beyond the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh garlic provides a stronger and more natural garlic flavor than relying only on dried seasoning.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly and gives the sauce a deeper cheese flavor.
  • The ingredient list is straightforward, making the recipe practical for busy home cooks.
  • The complete dinner takes approximately 40 minutes from preparation to serving.
  • The recipe can easily be reduced for two people when you want an Easy Crockpot Dinner For 2 style meal.
  • Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and other vegetables can be added without changing the basic sauce technique.
  • The chicken and sauce combination works well as inspiration for Easy Dinner Recipes For Family Crockpot Chicken Meal Ideas.
  • The same flavor profile can be adapted into Creamy Garlic Parm Chicken Crockpot meals when you prefer slow cooked chicken.
  • The sauce can be adjusted easily with more garlic, parmesan, black pepper, or red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers can be reheated with a small amount of broth, milk, or cream to restore moisture to the sauce.
buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 generous serving per person
  • Best Served: Immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Cooking Method: Stovetop

For the smoothest cooking process, prepare everything before you start. Cut the chicken, mince the garlic, grate the parmesan, measure the cream and broth, and have your seasonings ready. Once the sauce begins cooking, the ingredients need to be added in a fairly quick sequence, so preparation beforehand makes the process much easier.

If you are cooking for two, halve all the ingredients. If you are serving a larger group, increase the ingredients proportionally. Avoid adding extra cream without increasing the other ingredients because doing so can dilute the garlic parmesan flavor and make the sauce unnecessarily heavy.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, optional

Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional for finishing

Substitution Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be replaced with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thigh meat has a richer flavor and remains tender when cooked properly.
  • Penne can be replaced with rotini, rigatoni, farfalle, fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti. Choose pasta with enough surface area to hold the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. The finished consistency will be somewhat thinner.
  • Whole milk can replace heavy cream when necessary. For a thicker result, use the optional cream cheese and allow the sauce to reduce gently.
  • Freshly grated parmesan can be replaced with finely grated Romano cheese. Romano has a sharper and saltier flavor, so adjust the seasoning carefully.
  • Chicken broth can be replaced with low-sodium vegetable broth if necessary, although chicken broth gives the sauce a deeper savory flavor.
  • Cream cheese can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional cream and parmesan sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes can be omitted for a mild version or increased for additional heat.
  • Fresh parsley can be replaced with a small amount of dried parsley, although fresh parsley gives the finished dish a brighter flavor and appearance.
buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

pasta vector

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into evenly sized bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Place the chicken in a bowl and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, then toss until every piece is evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken in a single layer, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes without constantly moving it so the surface develops light browning. Turn the pieces and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the thickest piece reaches 165°F internally. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and keep the skillet available for making the sauce.

pasta vector

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Reserve the Water

Bring a large pot of water to a full boil, add the tablespoon of salt, and add the pasta. Stir during the first minute to prevent the noodles from sticking together, then cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, carefully remove about 1 cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta without rinsing it because the starch remaining on the noodles helps the finished garlic parmesan sauce cling to the pasta.

pasta vector

Step 3: Build the Garlic and Broth Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter, allowing it to melt while gently scraping the browned pieces from the bottom of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 to 45 seconds, stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant without turning dark brown. Pour in the chicken broth and continue stirring while scraping the skillet so the browned chicken pieces become incorporated into the liquid, then let the mixture simmer gently for about 1 to 2 minutes.

pasta vector

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed. If using cream cheese, add it now and continue stirring until it has completely melted into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, keeping the sauce below a vigorous boil so the cream remains smooth.

pasta vector

Step 5: Melt the Parmesan and Adjust the Consistency

Lower the heat before adding the freshly grated parmesan, then add the cheese gradually while stirring continuously so each addition melts into the sauce before the next is added. Once all the cheese has melted, check the consistency and add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick, stirring after every addition until it becomes smooth and coats the back of a spoon. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so it should remain slightly loose at this stage.

pasta vector

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss it gently through the sauce using tongs or a large spoon until every piece is coated. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold it through the pasta until evenly distributed, then keep everything over low heat for approximately 1 minute so the chicken warms through and the flavors combine. If the sauce becomes too thick, add another tablespoon of reserved pasta water and toss gently.

pasta vector

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and taste the pasta before adding any extra salt because the parmesan and seasoned chicken already provide saltiness. Stir in the chopped parsley and finish with the remaining freshly grated parmesan, then let the pasta rest for 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce settles around the noodles before transferring it to serving bowls and adding red pepper flakes or additional parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

Buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is still warm, smooth, and glossy. As the pasta cools, the parmesan sauce naturally becomes thicker, so serving it promptly gives you the best texture.

  • For a clean presentation, use wide, shallow bowls rather than deep bowls. Place a generous portion of pasta in the center, arrange several pieces of chicken on top, and finish with freshly grated parmesan and a small amount of chopped parsley. The green parsley provides a fresh contrast against the creamy sauce without changing the main flavor.
  • A simple vegetable is an excellent side because the pasta is rich and filling. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted zucchini all work well. You can also serve a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness to the meal.
  • Garlic bread is another natural pairing. The crisp bread can be used to pick up any remaining garlic parmesan sauce, making it especially useful for family-style dinners.
  • If you want additional heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over individual servings rather than making the entire batch spicy. This allows everyone at the table to adjust the heat according to their preference.
  • For a larger dinner, serve the pasta with a vegetable side and salad rather than several rich sides. The goal is to balance the creamy sauce with fresh or lightly cooked ingredients.
  • If you are adapting the recipe as part of Easy Dinner Recipes For Family Crockpot Chicken Meal Ideas, serve the slow cooked chicken and garlic parmesan sauce over freshly cooked pasta and add steamed broccoli or a crisp salad on the side.
buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta

Additional Tips

  • Use freshly grated parmesan whenever possible. Parmesan grated directly from a block melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a cleaner flavor.
  • Keep the garlic under control. Fresh garlic should become fragrant and lightly softened, not dark brown. Burned garlic can make the entire sauce taste bitter.
  • Do not boil the cream aggressively. A gentle simmer gives you more control and reduces the risk of the sauce separating.
  • Add parmesan over low heat. High heat can cause the cheese proteins to tighten and create a grainy texture.
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. You may only use a few tablespoons, but having extra gives you better control over the final sauce.
  • Season the chicken before cooking it. Properly seasoned chicken adds flavor throughout the finished dish instead of tasting bland underneath the sauce.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
  • Avoid overcooking the pasta. The noodles should remain slightly firm because they continue absorbing sauce after they are combined with the other ingredients.
  • Taste before adding salt. Parmesan, chicken broth, and seasoned chicken can already provide enough salt for the entire dish.
  • Keep the sauce slightly loose before adding the pasta. The noodles will absorb some of the liquid, so a sauce that looks perfect before adding the pasta may become too thick afterward.
  • Warm your serving bowls if possible. A warm bowl helps the creamy sauce remain fluid for longer at the table.
  • If preparing this as one of your Simple Ingredient Crockpot Meals, keep the pasta separate until serving. Slow cooking pasta for several hours can make it soft and cause it to absorb too much sauce.
  • When preparing Crockpot Meals Few Ingredients, focus on the chicken, broth, garlic parmesan flavor, and creamy component in the slow cooker, then prepare fresh pasta separately.
  • For Easy Crockpot Recipes 5 Ingredients adaptations, keep the slow cooker portion simple and use seasonings strategically so the dish still has enough flavor without requiring a long ingredient list.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce and finish each serving with additional flakes. You can also add a small amount of hot sauce for a stronger spicy flavor.
  • Broccoli Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Add small broccoli florets to the pasta water during the final 3 to 4 minutes of cooking. Drain the broccoli and pasta together, then toss both into the finished sauce.
  • Mushroom Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Slice 8 ounces of mushrooms and sauté them in the skillet after removing the chicken. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become lightly browned, then continue with the garlic parmesan sauce.
  • Bacon Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Cook 4 to 6 strips of bacon until crisp, crumble them, and stir the cooked bacon into the finished pasta. Use only a small amount of the bacon fat with the butter so the sauce does not become excessively rich.
  • Shrimp Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Replace the chicken with approximately 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season the shrimp lightly and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on size, then remove them before preparing the sauce and return them at the end.
  • Spinach Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Add 2 to 3 cups of fresh baby spinach to the finished sauce and stir over low heat until the leaves wilt. Add the pasta immediately afterward.
  • Lighter Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the butter slightly. The result will be lighter while maintaining the main garlic parmesan character.
  • Creamy Garlic Parm Chicken Crockpot Version: Season chicken breasts and place them in a slow cooker with chicken broth, garlic, and seasonings. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, then add the creamy parmesan ingredients near the end of cooking. Serve the finished chicken and sauce over freshly cooked pasta.
  • Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Meal With Vegetables: Prepare the chicken in the slow cooker with broccoli, mushrooms, or another suitable vegetable, then finish the creamy parmesan sauce toward the end. Cook the pasta separately and combine everything immediately before serving.
  • Easy Crockpot Dinner For 2: Halve the chicken and sauce ingredients and prepare the slow cooker portion for two servings. Cook fresh pasta separately and combine it with the chicken and sauce immediately before serving.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerate leftover pasta within two hours of cooking and store it in an airtight container.
  • Keep leftovers refrigerated for approximately 3 to 4 days.
  • Store the pasta and extra sauce separately when possible. This makes reheating easier because pasta naturally absorbs some of the sauce during refrigeration.
  • Reheat individual portions in a skillet over low to medium-low heat rather than using high heat.
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chicken broth, milk, or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce.
  • Stir frequently while reheating so the bottom does not become overly hot.
  • For microwave reheating, use 30 to 45 second intervals and stir between each interval.
  • Avoid reheating the entire batch repeatedly. Reheat only the amount you intend to eat.
  • Freezing the finished creamy pasta is possible, but the dairy-based sauce may separate slightly after thawing.
  • For better freezer quality, freeze cooked chicken separately and prepare fresh pasta and sauce when you are ready to serve.
  • If freezing the completed dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe airtight container.
  • Use frozen leftovers within approximately 1 to 2 months for the best quality.
  • Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator rather than leaving it at room temperature.
  • Reheat thawed pasta gently and add a small amount of cream or broth to help restore the sauce.

For meal planning, the chicken can be cooked ahead and refrigerated separately from the pasta. This approach is particularly useful when you want to turn the recipe into one of several Few Ingredient Crockpot Meals during a busy week.

Nutritional Information

The following nutrition information is an approximate estimate based on four servings. Actual values will vary depending on the brands used, exact ingredient quantities, portion sizes, and any substitutions.

  • Calories: Approximately 720 per serving
  • Protein: Approximately 43 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 63 grams
  • Total Fat: Approximately 34 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 17 grams
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 145 milligrams
  • Sodium: Approximately 850 milligrams
  • Fiber: Approximately 3 grams
  • Sugar: Approximately 5 grams
  • Calcium: Approximately 300 milligrams

The nutritional profile can be changed depending on how you prepare the recipe. Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces the overall fat content, while adding broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables increases the amount of fiber and nutrients in each serving. Reducing the parmesan and using low-sodium chicken broth can also reduce the sodium level.

Final Words

Buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta is a practical example of how a few well-handled ingredients can create a dinner that tastes far more complicated than it actually is. The combination of seasoned chicken, fresh garlic, parmesan, cream, butter, and pasta creates a comforting meal with a strong but balanced flavor. The most important part of making this recipe successfully is paying attention to the sauce. Garlic should be cooked gently, cream should simmer rather than boil aggressively, and parmesan should be added gradually over low heat.

Once you understand that basic technique, you can make the recipe your own. Add broccoli for vegetables, red pepper flakes for heat, mushrooms for an earthy flavor, bacon for extra richness, or shrimp when you want a seafood version. You can also adapt the chicken and sauce for slow cooker meal preparation. This makes the recipe particularly useful for anyone looking for Easy Crockpot Recipes With Few Ingredients Simple Dinners.

The same flavor combination can be incorporated into Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Meal preparations, Creamy Garlic Parm Chicken Crockpot recipes, and other Simple Ingredient Crockpot Meals.

For families, the recipe provides a filling dinner that can be paired with vegetables and salad. For smaller households, it can be reduced to create an Easy Crockpot Dinner For 2 style meal. If you are building a collection of Crockpot Meals Few Ingredients, this garlic parmesan chicken combination is also a useful flavor base.

The best results come from serving the pasta immediately after combining it with the sauce. Freshly grated parmesan, properly cooked pasta, and well-seasoned chicken will give you the strongest flavor and best texture. If you enjoy restaurant-inspired comfort food, this buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta is worth adding to your regular dinner rotation. It is approachable enough for a beginner, but the cooking techniques give experienced home cooks plenty of room to create an even better result.

FAQs

Buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan pasta is a creamy chicken pasta inspired by the garlic parmesan flavor associated with Buffalo Wild Wings. It combines seasoned chicken, pasta, garlic, parmesan, cream, butter, and savory seasonings into a complete dinner.

Yes. A prepared garlic parmesan sauce can be used as a shortcut. The exact flavor and thickness will depend on the product, so adjust it with chicken broth, cream, or pasta water if necessary.

Penne, rotini, rigatoni, fettuccine, and linguine all work well. Penne and rotini are particularly useful because their shape allows the creamy sauce to cling to the pasta.

Use freshly grated parmesan and add it gradually over low heat. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese. Adding a small amount of reserved pasta water can also help maintain a smooth consistency.

The sauce can become too thick if it reduces for too long or if too much parmesan is added without enough liquid. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time while stirring until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta - Easy Dinner
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Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta – Easy Dinner

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Pasta Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

720

kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

  • 1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

  • Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, optional

  • Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional for finishing

Directions

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into evenly sized bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Place the chicken in a bowl and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, then toss until every piece is evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken in a single layer, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes without constantly moving it so the surface develops light browning. Turn the pieces and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the thickest piece reaches 165°F internally. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and keep the skillet available for making the sauce.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a full boil, add the tablespoon of salt, and add the pasta. Stir during the first minute to prevent the noodles from sticking together, then cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, carefully remove about 1 cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta without rinsing it because the starch remaining on the noodles helps the finished garlic parmesan sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter, allowing it to melt while gently scraping the browned pieces from the bottom of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 to 45 seconds, stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant without turning dark brown. Pour in the chicken broth and continue stirring while scraping the skillet so the browned chicken pieces become incorporated into the liquid, then let the mixture simmer gently for about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed. If using cream cheese, add it now and continue stirring until it has completely melted into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, keeping the sauce below a vigorous boil so the cream remains smooth.
  • Lower the heat before adding the freshly grated parmesan, then add the cheese gradually while stirring continuously so each addition melts into the sauce before the next is added. Once all the cheese has melted, check the consistency and add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick, stirring after every addition until it becomes smooth and coats the back of a spoon. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so it should remain slightly loose at this stage.
  • Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss it gently through the sauce using tongs or a large spoon until every piece is coated. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold it through the pasta until evenly distributed, then keep everything over low heat for approximately 1 minute so the chicken warms through and the flavors combine. If the sauce becomes too thick, add another tablespoon of reserved pasta water and toss gently.
  • Turn off the heat and taste the pasta before adding any extra salt because the parmesan and seasoned chicken already provide saltiness. Stir in the chopped parsley and finish with the remaining freshly grated parmesan, then let the pasta rest for 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce settles around the noodles before transferring it to serving bowls and adding red pepper flakes or additional parmesan if desired.