Garlic Parmesan Sauce

My garlic Parmesan sauce is a creamy, buttery blend with bold garlic flavor and melty Parmesan cheese. I make it whenever I need a fast but flavorful sauce for wings, pasta, dipping, and more!

My Favorite Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce

A few months ago, my husband Ben and I were craving Buffalo Wild Wings but didn’t want to do takeout again. I decided it would be a fun challenge to recreate their garlic Parmesan sauce with only ingredients I already had in the kitchen!

I started with melted butter and minced garlic, of course. While the garlic sauteed, I settled on some Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper for seasoning and heat, then added the Parmesan last so it would melt without scorching.

I threw some frozen wings in the air fryer until they were crispy, coated them in the garlic Parmesan wing sauce, and sat down to test out my creation with my husband. The sauce was so good, I don’t know if we exchanged another word until we’d devoured all the wings on our plates!

For more delicious sauce recipes for wings, dipping, and more, be sure to check out my honey garlic sauce, 3 ingredient bbq sauce, buffalo sauce recipe, and tzatziki sauce!

What is Garlic Parmesan Sauce? 

Buffalo Wild Wings garlic Parmesan sauce is a creamy, savory blend made with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. It’s rich and garlicky, and I love the subtle kick from the red pepper flakes to complement that cheesy finish. 

Some versions use cream or mayo, but my garlic Parmesan sauce recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and big flavor. Now that I know how to make garlic Parmesan sauce, I prefer this homemade version to the original!

Garlic Parm Sauce Ingredients

• Butter – Acts as the rich, creamy base for the sauce. I use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the sauce, but salted butter can be used with a little less actual salt.
• Garlic – Freshly minced is best to add big, bold flavor. I find garlic powder just doesn’t give the same flavor.
• Italian seasonin – Brings an herby mix of basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Parmesan – Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce and gives it a salty, cheesy punch. Shredded Parmesan works, but grated just brings the texture and taste all together.
• Red crushed pepper flakes – Adds the perfect kick of heat.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances and balances the flavors.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: In a large skillet, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. 

STEP TWO: Take the skillet off of the heat, then add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. 

STEP THREE: Slowly add in the Parmesan until everything is combined. 

STEP FOUR: Drizzle the sauce over wings, add to pasta, or serve as a dipping sauce. 

Tips to Get a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

• I use unsalted butter because the sauce already gets plenty of saltiness from the Parmesan cheese, and then I can add a pinch or two of salt to taste if I need it.
• I mince the garlic as finely as I can so it sautes quickly and evenly while releasing tons of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the garlic or it can start to taste bitter. I pull the skillet off the heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Stir in the Parmesan slowly, and after taking the skillet off the heat to prevent it from browning or burning, which will mess with the smooth texture of the sauce.
• I let the sauce cool slightly so it will thicken up before serving it, but I always aim to serve it while it’s still hot.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• I sometimes grate my own Parmesan for a super fresh taste and even smoother sauce consistency.
• If I want the sauce to be extra rich, I’ll add a splash of heavy cream.
• To brighten up the flavor and add more complexity, I like to add some lemon zest and maybe even a squeeze of lemon juice.
• For a speck-free sauce, I’ll use white pepper that blends right in.
• When I’m in the mood for heat, I’ll add more red pepper flakes or even a bit of cayenne.
• To really deepen the flavor, a pinch of nutmeg always takes garlic parm sauce to the next level.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce

Parmesan garlic sauce is absolutely fantastic with air fryer chicken wings, but I also love serving it with chicken legs or even baked chicken tenders!

But creamy garlic Parmesan sauce goes great with non-chicken dishes too, like my air fryer pork chops, air fryer brats, or even drizzled over sliced potatoes!

Garlic Parmesan Sauce FAQs 

Can I make this garlic parm sauce ahead of time?  

I often make garlic parm wing sauce the night before when I need a double or triple batch for game day. I keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Why isn’t my garlic Parmesan sauce recipe creamy?

This usually happens if the cheese was added too fast or while the pan was too hot. I take mine off the heat before stirring in the cheese and make sure to stir continuously until it’s smooth.

How should I store leftover garlic parmesan sauce? 

I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to use my creamy garlic Parmesan sauce again, I reheat it gently and add a tiny splash of water or cream to loosen it back up.

More Easy Recipes

• Buffalo chicken wrap
• Bacon in the oven
• Pulled pork crock pot recipe
• 7 layer taco dip
• Pork tenderloin in the oven