This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is comfort food with a kick! Perfectly seared strips of seasoned chicken breast lie atop a bed of silky linguine, bathed in a spicy, rich cream sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s all made in one pot, which means less mess and more flavor, as every ingredient builds upon the last.

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is simple to whip up, this dish is a go-to. The heat from the spice, the creaminess of the sauce, and the deep umami from the pan-seared chicken blend beautifully in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

Bold & Creamy Flavor: The spicy kick of crushed red pepper and Cajun seasoning melds wonderfully with the cream sauce.
Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s made in one pot, you won’t be stuck with a pile of dishes.
Hearty & Satisfying: Chicken and pasta together are always a win when it comes to hunger-busting dinners.
Customizable Heat Level: Dial the spice up or down depending on your preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce smoothly and efficiently, a few key tools are essential:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: Crucial for searing the chicken and cooking the pasta in the sauce. It helps distribute heat evenly and prevents overcrowding.
Tongs or Spatula: Ideal for flipping chicken and stirring pasta evenly without breaking it.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: A must for slicing chicken thinly for even cooking.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key for balancing the spice and creaminess.

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

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced thin for fast searing and tender bites.
Linguine Pasta: A wide, flat noodle perfect for holding onto creamy sauces.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and blooming spices.
Garlic (Minced): Adds a sharp, savory base to the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings bold, smoky heat to the dish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that extra spicy punch.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta while adding depth.
Heavy Cream: The backbone of the rich, creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Adds nutty saltiness and thickens the sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and enhance all the flavors.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly and add more olive oil if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the linguine and stir to coat the pasta. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it cook until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken

Return the seared chicken strips to the pan, nestling them over the pasta. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

How to Serve and Store Your Spicy Chicken Linguine

This pasta is best served hot, straight from the pot. For a more elevated presentation, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan on top. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

For storing leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce separating when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work great in this dish. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a medium kick, thanks to the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Just slice and add it toward the end when you would return the seared chicken to the pan. Heat through gently.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.

What vegetables can I add?

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would blend perfectly with the flavors in this dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and ensure your seasonings and broth are certified gluten-free.

Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this spicy chicken linguine, you’ll definitely want to explore more of these flavorful favorites:

Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe for a romantic pasta dinner night.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti that’s as hearty as it is cheesy.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for sweet heat meets cheesy comfort.
One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta if you want a bold smoky twist.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for crispy indulgence with creamy flair.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra spice or tone it down? Did you mix in veggies or keep it classic?

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