Description
🌶️ Cajun Alfredo Sauce brings a creamy, spicy twist to classic Alfredo, perfect for pasta, chicken, or shrimp.
🥘 Enjoy rich flavor and easy preparation that transforms everyday meals into comforting delights.
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely diced (yellow onion can be a substitute)
3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh best)
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 1.5 ounces or 45 grams)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (blend typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt)
Optional: ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay recommended)
Optional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemon zest
Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
Optional proteins: Cajun seasoned chicken, shrimp, or andouille sausage
Instructions
Melt Butter: In a medium skillet or saucepot over medium heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter gently to serve as the rich base of your sauce.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Add finely diced shallot with a pinch of salt; cook 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Deglaze the Pan (Optional): Pour in ½ cup dry white wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates, intensifying flavor.
Add Heavy Cream: Pour 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream gradually while whisking to a smooth mixture.
Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Slowly add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and build flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Simmer and Thicken: Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 5-8 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with reserved pasta water or chicken broth until reaching desired consistency.
Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or chives, adding lemon juice or zest for brightness.
Serve Immediately: Pour sauce over cooked pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or penne, or use as a flavorful topping for Cajun-seasoned chicken, shrimp, or sausages.
Notes
🧀 Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest smooth texture.
🔥 Start with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and adjust for desired spice level.
🥄 Reheat leftovers gently with cream or milk to restore texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marinating/Optional Resting Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American with Cajun influence
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 522 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 414 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 32 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 7.5 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Cajun Alfredo, Creamy Cajun Sauce, Spicy Alfredo Sauce, Cajun Sauce for Pasta