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Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

4.4 from 76 reviews

This creamy, flavorful Cajun Alfredo Sauce combines the rich decadence of traditional Alfredo with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for pasta, chicken, or shrimp, this sauce is easy to prepare and adds a smoky, spicy flair to any dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

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

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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)

Optional Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Base: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to brown the garlic.
  2. Blending in the Cajun Spices: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (if using), ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Stir continuously to prevent the spices from burning and to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the butter and garlic.
  3. Finishing with Cheese & Cream: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom. Once warmed through, gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thickened. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce; pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect texture.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • If using this sauce with chicken or shrimp, sauté the proteins separately in olive oil before mixing with the sauce.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level; omit if sensitive to spice.
  • The sauce is best served immediately but can be kept warm on low heat; stir occasionally to maintain consistency.

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo Sauce, Spicy Alfredo, Cajun Cream Sauce, Cajun Pasta Sauce, Creamy Cajun Sauce