Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Alfredo Sauce offers a rich and creamy twist on a classic favorite, blending smoky spices with smooth parmesan and butter. Perfect for adding a flavorful kick to your pasta dishes, this sauce is both comforting and delightfully bold.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store bought*)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if your seasoning blend contains salt)
• 1¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat until melted and beginning to froth, with white bubbles appearing on top.
2. Step 2: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Add salt if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook on low for 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and add the lemon zest. Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
4. Step 4: Add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat evenly, or serve the sauce as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor — pre-grated cheese may result in a grainy texture.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta cooking water or additional cream.
• Pair this sauce with fettuccine or penne for a classic feel, or drizzle over grilled chicken for a hearty meal.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Alfredo Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. If needed, stir in a little cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Cajun seasoning from scratch?

Yes! Combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground white pepper, ground mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and dried basil in the proportions listed in the ingredients for a homemade Cajun blend.

Is this sauce suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. The sauce contains no flour or gluten ingredients, but be sure to use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.

Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

A rich and flavorful Cajun Alfredo Sauce combining creamy parmesan with bold Cajun spices, perfect for tossing with pasta or drizzling over your favorite dishes.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups sauce, serves 4 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store bought)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if your seasoning blend contains salt)
• 1¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 Tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat until completely melted and it begins to froth with white bubbles forming on top.
2. Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Add salt if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Add Lemon Zest and Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat, add the lemon zest, then gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the parmesan is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
4. Toss with Pasta or Serve: Add cooked pasta directly to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the Cajun Alfredo sauce, or serve the sauce as desired alongside your dish.

Notes

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
• If your Cajun seasoning contains salt, omit or reduce the additional salt added.
• This sauce pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, penne, or your preferred pasta.
• You can customize spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.
• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently while stirring.

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo Sauce, creamy Cajun sauce, Cajun pasta sauce, parmesan Alfredo sauce with spices, Cajun seasoning sauce