Description
This rich and creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce delivers big flavor with a perfect blend of spices and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for enhancing any pasta dish—from fettuccine to penne—and pairs wonderfully with toppings like shrimp, chicken, or sausage. The sauce combines smoky paprika, garlic, and herbs with a luscious cream base, bringing a spicy Southern twist to a classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store bought)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if your seasoning blend contains salt)
- 1¾ cups 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
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it begins to froth with white bubbles forming on the surface, indicating it’s hot and ready.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Add kosher salt if your seasoning blend doesn’t already contain salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon Zest: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the lemon zest to brighten the sauce. Gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Toss with Pasta or Serve: Add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the flavorful Cajun Alfredo sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce over pasta on plates and add your favorite toppings such as sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your desired spice level.
- If using store-bought Cajun seasoning, check its salt content before adding extra salt.
- This sauce is versatile and can be served with any pasta shape, including fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.
- For a vegetarian option, skip adding meat toppings and incorporate mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
