Name: Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh preferred); 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor); ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference); Salt to taste (only if needed, since Cajun seasoning often contains salt); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking proteins like chicken or shrimp); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

Cajun Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite. This sauce combines rich Parmesan and cream with bold Cajun spices, creating a deliciously smoky and spicy dish perfect for pasta, chicken, or shrimp.

A close-up image shows a white plate filled with creamy beige spaghetti sauce with small pieces of herbs and spices evenly mixed throughout. There is a metal spoon hovering above the plate, coated with thick, smooth, light brown sauce speckled with black, green, and red herbs that add texture and color. Under the sauce, thin strands of spaghetti noodles can be seen partially covered, having a slightly glossy look from the sauce. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright contrast to the warm colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for cooking proteins)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt if needed. Stir continuously to prevent burning the spices.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve warm over pasta, chicken, or shrimp, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but keep in mind it may be less rich.
Try homemade Cajun seasoning for a fresher flavor or adjust spices to suit your heat tolerance.
Use olive oil to cook chicken or shrimp separately, then toss with the sauce for a complete meal.
Adding a splash of white wine before the cream can add depth to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the silky texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a black skillet filled with creamy macaroni and cheese pasta, which is pale yellow and soft in texture, spread evenly across the pan's bottom. On top of the pasta, there are two large pieces of cooked salmon, pink-orange with a slightly crispy, golden-brown surface, placed side by side near the center. Green chopped chives are sprinkled on top of the dish, adding a pop of color. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, and parts of a cloth with blue and gray stripes are visible at the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan for its creamy texture and rich flavor, which are difficult to replace exactly. However, you can try using dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast as a substitute, but the taste and texture will differ.

What dishes pair well with Cajun Alfredo Sauce?

This sauce complements pasta dishes beautifully, especially fettuccine or penne. It’s also excellent over grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a spicy, creamy boost.