This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is the weeknight dinner your taste buds will crave again and again. Imagine tender linguine noodles soaked in a creamy, spicy sauce and topped with golden, pan-seared chicken slices that lock in bold flavor. It’s indulgent, hearty, and satisfying all in one bowl.

The best part? It all comes together in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family night or a cozy solo dinner, this dish delivers richness and warmth with a hint of fiery heat that lingers deliciously.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To master this one-pot pasta wonder, you’ll want the right tools in place:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is crucial for evenly cooking your chicken and simmering the pasta and sauce together without spillage.
Tongs: Helpful for flipping and removing the chicken with minimal mess.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Essential for stirring the pasta as it cooks, especially to prevent sticking at the bottom.

Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need these to slice the chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These ensure your cream, broth, and spice quantities stay balanced.

Having these essentials prepped and ready not only saves time but makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Ingredients for the One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

Each ingredient plays a special role in building the bold, creamy flavor of this dish:

Chicken Breasts – Lean protein that sears beautifully and soaks up spices.
Linguine Pasta – Flat and wide, it clings to the creamy sauce perfectly.

Heavy Cream – Brings that luscious, velvety richness to the sauce.
Chicken Broth – Adds depth and saltiness to the base while cooking the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a savory, nutty kick.

Garlic – A flavor booster that pairs beautifully with the spicy undertones.
Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes – Deliver the heat and smoky edge to balance the cream.
Olive Oil & Butter – Used for cooking the chicken and starting the sauce with richness.

Salt & Black Pepper – Basic seasoning that ties it all together.

How To Make the One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. This step creates the flavor backbone of the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add uncooked linguine and let it cook in the broth, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This infuses the pasta with extra flavor.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Elements

Once the pasta is al dente, reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. The sauce should thicken and coat the noodles beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place it on top of the creamy linguine. Let it all sit for a couple of minutes to meld together. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Serving and Storing One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

This dish is best served hot, straight from the pot. Plate it in shallow bowls to highlight the creamy sauce and top with freshly grated parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for visual appeal and extra zing. A side of warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes the perfect pairing.

If you have leftovers, let the linguine cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep that silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly and slice beautifully. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.

Can I make this less spicy?

Absolutely. Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and paprika, and you’ll still have a flavorful creamy pasta without the heat.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom?

Stir regularly while the pasta simmers in the broth. Using a wide pan or Dutch oven helps ensure even cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle work great too. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well, especially with a bit of added cream or broth. Just store the chicken separately to keep it juicy.

Can I add vegetables?

You sure can. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions without overwhelming the creamy sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this spicy chicken linguine left you craving more creamy, bold pasta dishes, you’re going to want to check out these favorites:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a silky twist with garlic lovers in mind.
Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta when you want that sweet-hot combo.
One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta if you’re feeling a steak night vibe.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to sneak in veggies without losing that creamy bite.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a hearty one-bowl meal with sweet heat.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Follow along here.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra spice? Maybe swapped the chicken for shrimp? I’d love to hear your twist.

Questions and feedback are always welcome—let’s cook and learn together!

One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This creamy and spicy one-pot chicken linguine is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Tender linguine noodles soak up a luxuriously spiced cream sauce, topped with perfectly seared chicken slices for a bold, satisfying meal. With just one pot and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to dinner that delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.