One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce

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Craving a creamy pasta dish that delivers a kick of spice in every bite? This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is exactly what weeknight dinners have been waiting for. It strikes the perfect balance between cozy and fiery—creamy enough to comfort, spicy enough to wake up your taste buds.

This dish pairs tender strips of seared chicken with perfectly cooked linguine, all swirled in a luxurious sauce that clings to every bite. Made in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze and flavor builds in layers. Whether you’re feeding your family or just want leftovers worth looking forward to, this pasta does not disappoint.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this silky, spicy masterpiece, you’ll need a few kitchen staples:

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for building flavor and cooking everything in one place. The size ensures room for tossing the linguine without spillage.
• Tongs or a pasta fork: Perfect for mixing and serving the pasta evenly coated in sauce.
• Meat thermometer: Handy for checking the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for scraping up those flavorful browned bits after searing the chicken, which enhance the sauce.
• Colander (optional): If you prefer to boil the linguine separately before folding it into the sauce, though it’s fully one-pot friendly.

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

• Chicken breasts: The main protein, offering a juicy and lean bite that holds up well to spices and searing.
• Linguine pasta: Ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce with its flat surface.
• Heavy cream: Provides the rich, silky base of the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the cream and helps cook the pasta.
• Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor that ties the sauce together.
• Garlic: Essential aromatic that deepens flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Brings the heat.
• Smoked paprika: Adds both spice and a warm, smoky undertone.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to balance all flavors.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and building the base of the sauce.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in your skillet or Dutch oven, and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Scrape up browned bits from the chicken to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add crushed red pepper flakes and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Place the dry linguine directly into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmer uncovered until pasta is tender and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Once the pasta is al dente, stir in grated Parmesan. Add the sliced chicken back into the pot and toss everything together to coat.

Step 6: Final Touches

Adjust seasoning to taste. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash more cream before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Spicy Chicken Linguine

Serve this pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes for visual and flavor punch. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or focaccia also make excellent sides.

To store, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine or tagliatelle work well, as do shorter pastas like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium heat level from red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. You can reduce or increase the spice to suit your taste.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream and skip the Parmesan, though the flavor and texture will change.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Shrimp or sliced sausage would be delicious. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can this be frozen?

Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Is it gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free linguine and ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also love the comforting depth of this Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which offers another one-pot dinner with a creamy base. If you’re drawn to bolder flavors, don’t miss the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe that layers spice and richness in a bake.

For something even more indulgent, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti gives a twist on traditional pasta bakes. Or branch out a little with the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup as a creamy, veggie-packed alternative.

And if you want a classic Italian vibe with serious flavor, the Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty favorite you can’t go wrong with.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or pasta boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you turn up the heat? Try a different protein? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others spin it.

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