Description

Cajun Alfredo Sauce is a creamy and flavorful twist on traditional Italian Alfredo, infused with bold Cajun spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic. This rich sauce combines buttery creaminess and zesty heat, perfectly complementing pasta, chicken, shrimp, or rice dishes. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile variations, it offers a comforting yet exciting flavor profile that can be adapted to vegan, keto, or lighter diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Spices & Seasonings

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 to heat preference)
Salt to taste (optional, as Cajun seasoning may contain salt)

Optional Ingredients for Cooking Proteins

2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken or shrimp)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Cajun Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt if needed. Stir continuously to evenly coat the butter and garlic, allowing the spices to bloom without burning, about 1 minute.
Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Cheese and Finish Sauce: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Continue to simmer gently until the sauce reaches desired thickness, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately over your choice of pasta, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. For thicker sauce, simmer a little longer before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest texture; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to avoid curdling or separating the cream.
Adjust cayenne and Cajun seasoning gradually to control the heat and flavor balance.
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
For vegan versions, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Can be frozen for 1-2 months but may separate when thawed; reheat slowly to restore texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion (Italian and Cajun)

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo Sauce, creamy Cajun sauce, Cajun pasta sauce, spicy Alfredo, Cajun cream sauce, Cajun chicken Alfredo, Cajun shrimp Alfredo, easy sauce recipe