Name: One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine; 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is the kind of dish that turns a hectic weeknight into a cozy dinner win. It brings together the best of both worlds: the rich creaminess of a decadent sauce and the kick of spice that keeps your taste buds tingling. With minimal cleanup and just one pot to manage, it’s comfort food without the kitchen chaos.

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Imagine tender bites of seared chicken mingling with linguine noodles as they simmer directly in a flavorful, creamy sauce infused with garlic, chili flakes, and a dash of smoked paprika. Every strand of pasta gets coated in the sauce as it cooks, absorbing bold flavor and making each bite unforgettably good.

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

It’s bold, creamy, and just spicy enough to wake up your palate. What makes this dish so lovable is its simplicity: one pot, a handful of pantry ingredients, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It feels indulgent but doesn’t require much effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about twirling creamy linguine on your fork and catching a bit of spiced chicken in every bite.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top choice here. They stay juicy, hold up well to high heat, and soak in the spices beautifully. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can work too—just be sure not to overcook them. Want to shake it up a bit? Rotisserie chicken or even leftover grilled chicken can step in and still keep the flavor train going.

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

To create this bold and creamy one-pot meal, you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or simple fresh picks that work together to build layers of flavor. The spicy cream sauce, tender chicken, and pasta all cook together in one pot, so each component becomes even more delicious by the minute.

Linguine
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Olive oil

Garlic cloves
Red pepper flakes
Smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper
Chicken broth
Heavy cream

Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes, then add them to the pan. Cook until they’re browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spices

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in a pinch more chili flakes and a dash of paprika to bloom the spices.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the uncooked linguine and reduce the heat slightly. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Return the Chicken

Once the pasta is nearly al dente, add the sliced chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together, letting the chicken reheat and the pasta soak in the spicy cream sauce.

Step 5: Finish With Cheese and Herbs

Turn off the heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken and cling to the noodles beautifully.

How to Serve and Store One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

This pasta dish is best served right off the stove when the sauce is at its peak creaminess. It’s rich, hearty, and full of warmth, perfect for casual dinners or date nights at home. Serve it in warm bowls with extra grated Parmesan and a pinch of chili flakes if you like it extra spicy. One batch feeds about four people generously.

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming it on the stove or in the microwave to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic companion to creamy pasta. Use it to scoop up extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with olive oil and lemon zest adds color and texture to your plate.

Steamed Asparagus

Lightly steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon is a crisp and clean side dish.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze make a fun and flavorful starter.

Sautéed Spinach

A quick sauté of spinach with garlic and olive oil complements the spice of the linguine beautifully.

Lemon Zucchini Ribbons

Shaved zucchini ribbons tossed with lemon juice and a touch of salt keep things fresh and light.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavor-packed meals from Luna Meals:

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe with smoky heat and quick prep.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a decadent seafood pasta delight.
Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni full of savory sausage and garlic cream.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if you want another take on chicken and spice.

Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a cozy twist with earthy flavors.

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Conclusion

One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is a flavorful, soul-warming dish that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. It checks every box: easy to make, minimal cleanup, creamy yet spicy, and endlessly comforting. Whether it’s your first time making it or it becomes part of your weekly rotation, this is a pasta night winner you’ll crave again and again.

One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce