Cajun Alfredo Sauce is everything you love in an alfredo sauce and more.
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The sauce combines heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, and a custom blend of spices, ensuring an exceptionally creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce packed with flavor and the perfect amount of heat.
The key is to slowly cook the sauce over low flame while constantly stirring to achieve that luxurious, silky, smooth texture.
Cajun Alfredo sauce goes great on any type of pasta.
While fettuccine is the typical choice, you can also use linguine, bowties, penne, spirals, or any pasta shape you have in your pantry.
You can also serve this with chicken, shrimp, or fish, so don’t hesitate to ladle some over your plate for a palate-pleasing meal.
Why I love this recipe
- Rich and creamy - The heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese make this alfredo sauce smooth, rich, and uber creamy.
- Make ahead option - There’s nothing better than a sauce ready to go in the fridge for those busy nights when you have to get a meal on the table quickly.
- Better than store-bought jarred sauce- No additives, preservatives, or ingredients you can’t pronounce in this from-scratch cajun alfredo sauce.
- Easy to Make - Whipping it up at home is simpler than you might think, making it a convenient option for delicious meals even when you're short on time.
- Versatile - Tastes great over pasta or it can also be used to create cajun alfredo shrimp, chicken or fish. It can even be served on top of your favorite veggies.
Ingredient You’ll need
Butter - Butter lends a rich flavor to the sauce. I used unsalted butter; however, salted butter can also be used. Adjust the amount of salt accordingly if using salted butter.
Garlic - Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. I forgot to include it in the ingredients picture, so don't skip it.
Heavy whipping cream - Heavy whipping cream for the rich, creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures the sauce melts smoothly and adds rich flavor.
Salt - Add salt to taste, sea salt or table salt are both good options.
Parsley: Fresh parsley for a hint of freshness.
Cajun Seasoning
For homemade Cajun seasoning, you will need onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
It's convenient to make a large batch and store it in an airtight glass container for easy access. Alternatively, you can use store-bought Cajun seasoning if you prefer.
Substitutions and Variations
- You can change the flavor of this Cajun Alfredo sauce by using Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan. Mixing different cheeses adds more complexity to the sauce. Adding a bit of cream cheese makes the sauce extra creamy.
- Substitute half and half or whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten up the sauce slightly.
- Try a different seasoning blend: Creole, Italian, or create a blend using your favorite spices.
- Saute or steam vegetables and add to the sauce; broccoli, mushrooms or peppers are all good options.
- Adding grilled chicken or shrimp transforms this sauce into a satisfying and complete meal.
- For a spicier sauce, mix in some red chili flakes.
Instructions Step By Step
- Gather all the ingredients and have them ready on the kitchen counter.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for a few seconds, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring or whisking constantly over low heat to blend it with the butter and garlic.
- Allow the mixture to lightly bubble, then add in all the Cajun seasoning spices and stir to combine well.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly and thickens.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add chopped parsley and mix, then remove from the heat.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
Make ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Cajun alfredo sauce is easily made ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If the sauce gets too thick you can add more cream, milk, or even chicken stock. Make chicken stock by combining a stock cube with water.
Be sure to stir it well before reheating. The sauce can be reheated over the stove or poured over pasta and heated in the microwave.
If you notice any change in smell or appearance, it's best to throw it away.
Common mistakes to avoid
Overheating: Cook the sauce on low to low heat to avoid curdling.
Not Stirring Enough: Failing to stir constantly can result in a lumpy sauce.
Using Pre-Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as well. Freshly grated gives the best result.
Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Adding cheese all at once can cause clumping.
Not Tasting and Adjusting: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
FAQ
Cajun alfredo sauce is not spicy perse but flavorful. If you are worried the sauce is going to be too spicy you can play around with the seasonings to find the right balance of spiciness to suit your tastebuds.
You may like these:
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If you try the recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and rating. I love hearing from you and it also helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe.
Recipe
Homemade Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 2-3 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
For Cajun Seasoning
- ⅓ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅓ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and have them ready on the kitchen counter.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for a few seconds, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring or whisking constantly over low heat to blend it with the butter and garlic.
- Allow the mixture to lightly bubble, then add in all the Cajun seasoning spices and stir to combine well.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly and thickens.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add chopped parsley and mix, then remove from the heat.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
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