Description
A creamy, flavorful Cajun pasta sauce made with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This quick stovetop recipe yields a rich sauce perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, offering a perfect blend of spice and creaminess in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 Tbsp. fresh minced parsley
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (optional)
Additional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces dry pasta (any shape, not included in sauce)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, ensuring it does not burn.
- Reduce Vinegar: Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the skillet and cook until reduced by half, approximately 2 minutes, which helps concentrate its flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, and dried oregano. Continue to cook while stirring until the spices become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh minced parsley, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Optionally, add fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Toss with Pasta: Cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Immediately toss the pasta with the prepared Cajun cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water when cooking pasta; the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta better.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Fresh parsley can be swapped with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
