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Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 101 reviews

This rich and creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce combines classic Alfredo ingredients with a bold blend of Cajun spices for a flavorful twist. Perfect for tossing with pasta or serving over proteins like chicken or shrimp, this sauce delivers a smoky, spicy kick balanced by Parmesan cheese and cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh preferred)

Spices

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • Salt to taste (if needed)

Dairy

  • 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for cooking proteins like chicken or shrimp)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Base: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Blending in the Cajun Spices: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste into the skillet. Stir continuously to combine and prevent the spices from burning, cooking them for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
  3. Finishing with Cheese & Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken to the desired consistency.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference.
  • Cajun seasoning often contains salt, so taste before adding extra salt.
  • This sauce pairs excellently with fettuccine, penne, chicken, or shrimp.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, noting the sauce will be less rich and thick.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo Sauce, creamy Cajun sauce, spicy Alfredo, Cajun cream sauce, Cajun pasta sauce