Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
This Cajun Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, rich, and flavorful blend that combines classic Italian Alfredo with the bold, smoky spices of Louisiana Cajun seasoning. Made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a mix of Cajun spices, this sauce is perfect for enhancing pasta, chicken, shrimp, or sausage dishes. Its versatility allows for easy adaptations including vegan, keto, and lighter versions, making it a beloved choice for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Louisiana Cajun / Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Optional Ingredients for Cooking Proteins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Blend in Cajun spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt if needed. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices and prevent burning.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and thickened, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer a bit longer while stirring.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat. Pour the sauce over your choice of cooked pasta, chicken, shrimp, or sausage. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a silky, smooth texture—avoid pre-shredded cheese which may cause graininess.
- Add spices gradually and adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
- Keep the heat low to medium to avoid boiling the cream which prevents separation or curdling.
- For vegan versions, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or unsweetened coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 1-2 months; thaw overnight before reheating gently.
- Reheat using low heat on stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Pair especially well with fettuccine, penne, zoodles, rice, chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
Keywords: Cajun Alfredo Sauce, Creamy Cajun Sauce, Cajun Pasta Sauce, Spicy Alfredo, Cajun Cream Sauce, Cajun Seafood Sauce
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cajun-alfredo-sauce-recipe/
