Name: One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and effortlessly satisfying, this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce hits all the right notes. It’s a dish that brings comfort food energy with a kick of heat and the convenience of minimal cleanup. With tender seared chicken, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and a bold touch of red pepper flakes, every bite is layered with flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without the hassle. Everything cooks in a single pot, including the linguine, so you get a rich, cohesive dish without dirtying a mountain of dishes. The balance of spice, cream, and herbs turns a simple meal into something craveable and special.

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

You only need one pot, a few staple ingredients, and about 30 minutes of your time. The spicy seared chicken gives the meal plenty of protein and punch, while the creamy sauce calms the heat just enough to keep you reaching for another forkful. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and seriously delicious.

Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or even a cozy dinner date at home, this pasta delivers restaurant-level results with everyday ease.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they sear beautifully and cook quickly. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat and a deeper flavor. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly with the pasta.

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

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this bold and creamy pasta dish to life, and why each ingredient matters:

Linguine: The pasta base that soaks up all the spicy, creamy goodness.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that sears up golden and tender.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and bringing a smooth base to the sauce.
Garlic: The aromatic core of the creamy sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds that fiery kick that defines this dish.
Chicken Broth: Deepens the flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the pot.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, velvety finish.
Parmesan Cheese: For salty, umami-rich depth.
Italian Seasoning: Adds that herbal backdrop of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances and balances every component.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and toast briefly to awaken the spice.

Step 3: Add Liquid & Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the uncooked linguine and reduce the heat to medium. Stir often to prevent sticking and let it cook until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Then add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Return Chicken & Finish

Add the seared chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine everything and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for an added kick.

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

This dish is best served immediately while the creamy sauce is silky and the chicken is freshly seared. It makes a generous meal for 4 to 5 people, depending on portion size.

To store, allow the pasta to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture, as the sauce may thicken in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces tend to separate after thawing.

What to Serve With Spicy Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Breadsticks

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette provide a fresh contrast to the creamy heat.

Roasted Broccoli

A savory veggie side with just enough crisp to balance the pasta.

Bruschetta

Fresh tomato, basil, and garlic on toasted baguette adds a refreshing and crunchy appetizer.

Sauteed Zucchini

Light and buttery, zucchini rounds out the meal without overpowering it.

Caesar Salad

Classic, crisp, and full of flavor—a reliable pairing for any creamy pasta.

Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

Adds umami depth and complements the heat and creaminess beautifully.

Chilled Sparkling Lemon Water

Not a food, but the acidity and sparkle help refresh your palate between spicy bites.

Want More Creamy Pasta Recipes That Bring the Heat?

If this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine left your taste buds tingling, you might want to check out these other bold, flavorful, and satisfying dishes from NoraNosh:

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for creamy indulgence with a steakhouse spin.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky, spicy Southern vibe.
Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne if you love garlic-forward dishes with creamy depth.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving hearty, rich comfort.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for those who want bold flavor without the mess.

Let these dishes elevate your weeknight dinners with creamy sauces, savory proteins, and spice where it counts.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Pin this spicy chicken linguine to your favorite pasta board so you can revisit it anytime!

Did you dial up the heat with extra red pepper flakes? Swap in shrimp instead of chicken? I want to hear about it! Leave a comment and let’s inspire each other with fun variations.

For more bold, cozy, and comforting dinners, check out NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find a whole collection of spicy pastas, creamy one-pots, and everything in between!

One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

Author: Nora
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both creamy and spicy with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is your perfect solution. Tender chicken, fiery red pepper flakes, and a velvety garlic cream sauce come together in one pan to create a bold and satisfying meal. It’s one of those quick weeknight pasta dinners that feels restaurant-quality but is super simple to make. Whether you’re looking for spicy comfort food, easy dinner ideas, or one-pot creamy pasta dishes, this recipe brings big flavor with ease.

Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and toast briefly.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the uncooked linguine and reduce the heat to medium. Stir often to prevent sticking and cook until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

5. Add the seared chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.