If there’s one dish that never fails to bring everyone to the table in my house, it’s this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce. I still remember the first time I made it. It was a chilly Sunday evening, and I needed something quick, cozy, and just a little exciting. I had a few pantry staples, some chicken, and a craving for something creamy and spicy. Thirty minutes later, we were all gathered around the table, twirling forkfuls of creamy pasta and fighting over who got the last bite!
What I love most about this dish is how it fits every occasion. It’s fancy enough to serve at a casual dinner party, but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight when you’re craving comfort. The combination of bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a luscious, garlic-kissed cream sauce just feels like a hug on a plate.
And the best part? It’s all made in ONE pot. Less mess, less fuss, and more time to enjoy the people you’re sharing it with. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta is a guaranteed hit. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home, rich, a little spicy, and completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine isn’t just delicious, it’s a total game-changer for anyone who loves comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
First off, the one-pot magic means fewer dishes to clean, which we can all agree is a huge win. The pasta cooks right in the creamy sauce, soaking up all that spicy, garlicky goodness, making every bite flavorful and rich.
Secondly, the flavors are out of this world. The chicken is seasoned with bold Cajun spices and perfectly seared, bringing a smoky, spicy kick that’s beautifully balanced by the creamy Parmesan sauce. Every forkful is packed with tender chicken, silky pasta, and just the right amount of heat.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can dial up the spice, swap out the protein, add veggie,s whatever your heart desires. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner, an impressive meal for guests, or even a romantic date night at home.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece is well coated with those flavorful spices.
Step 3: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then add the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine is how easy it is to tweak based on your needs or preferences. Whether you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or just feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
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Make it gluten-free: Swap the regular linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free varieties can cook a little faster or slower than traditional pasta.
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Turn it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. You could also use plant-based chicken strips for a satisfying meat-free version.
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Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. Love it hot? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
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Switch up the protein: This dish works beautifully with shrimp, Italian sausage, or even leftover roasted chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so everything stays tender and juicy.
No matter how you customize it, this dish is forgiving, flavorful, and always satisfying.
How to Serve
One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors, so it pairs well with simple sides and refreshing beverages.
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Serve with a crisp green salad: A light salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or simple balsamic dressing balances out the richness of the pasta. Arugula, mixed greens, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad work beautifully.
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Add some crusty bread: A warm slice of garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce. It’s hard to resist wiping your plate clean!
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Include roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a delicious side that adds texture and nutrition to your meal without stealing the spotlight from the pasta.
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Beverage pairing: A cold sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a crisp iced tea complements the creamy, spicy flavors wonderfully.
Recipe Tips
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Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly and can leave your sauce a little grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the creamiest, most luxurious sauce.
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Watch your pasta: Stir the pasta every few minutes as it cooks to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it up.
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Prep ingredients beforehand: This recipe moves fast once you start cooking, so it’s a good idea to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Slice the chicken, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices before you heat the pan.
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Customize the spice: Cajun seasoning can vary in saltiness and spice from brand to brand. Start with a little less than the recipe calls for, and add more to taste if needed.
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Store leftovers properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce and keep the pasta creamy.
Cooking Note
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the chicken strips are thin, they cook quickly. Overcooking will dry them out, so keep a close eye and remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re done.
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Simmer gently: When cooking the sauce and pasta, keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to ensure the cream stays smooth and doesn’t separate.
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Reserve pasta water: Always reserve a little pasta water before draining, just in case you need to thin out the sauce later without losing flavor.
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Use a deep skillet or pot: Make sure your pot is large enough to fit the pasta and sauce comfortably so you can stir easily without spilling.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 670 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 730mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for this recipe because it holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even tagliatelle. If using a thicker pasta, just keep in mind it might need a minute or two more to cook.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can quickly make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and a little salt and pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper if you want it milder or spicier.
How can I make this less spicy?
To tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning you use and skip the optional red pepper flakes. You’ll still get all the flavor without the extra kick.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If you have leftover grilled or roasted chicken, you can definitely use it. Just skip the initial chicken-cooking steps and toss the cooked chicken into the sauce toward the end, heating it through gently.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a hearty, spicy pasta dish that comes together easily in just one pot. This One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce is everything you want in a comfort meal: bold flavors, a rich and silky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all mingling together beautifully.
What makes this dish really special is how customizable it is. Whether you like it extra spicy, packed with veggies, or made with shrimp instead of chicken, it’s a recipe that invites creativity while still being easy enough for a busy weeknight. Plus, the fact that it only uses one pot means cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to relax and enjoy.
It’s a dish that fits so many moments: a cozy dinner after a long day, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special date night at home. The combination of Cajun spice and creamy Parmesan sauce feels indulgent but familiar, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Once you try it, you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again, experimenting with different proteins and levels of spice. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like home, warm, flavorful, and made with love. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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One-Pot Spicy Chicken Linguine in Creamy Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece is well coated with those flavorful spices.
Step 3: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then add the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 670
- Sodium: 730
- Protein: 35