Cajun Alfredo Sauce
A decadent fusion of traditional Alfredo creaminess and bold Cajun spices. This sauce delivers a velvety texture with a spicy kick, perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over grilled chicken, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cutting board and knife (for mincing garlic)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional for extra flavor and heat
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Allow the mixture to warm up; do not let it boil.
- Incorporate Cheese & Seasonings:
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce begins to thicken (approximately 2–3 minutes).
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and, if using, the onion powder and cayenne pepper.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer & Adjust:
- Let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 3–5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash more cream or a little milk.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite pasta, grilled protein, or steamed vegetables.
- Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup (serves about 4 when used as a pasta sauce)
- Category: Sauce, Pasta Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Italian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian; Gluten-Free (if served with gluten-free pasta)
- Keywords:
- Cajun Alfredo, Spicy Alfredo Sauce, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Fusion Sauce, Quick Alfredo
- Nutrition (per serving, approx. ½ cup):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Total Fat: ~31 g
- Saturated Fat: ~20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: ~6 g
- Cholesterol: ~100 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
Notes
Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to match your preferred spice level.
Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Texture Adjustment: If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Variations:
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast (flavor will differ from the classic).
This sauce works wonderfully tossed with pasta, drizzled over grilled chicken, or as a rich dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Texture Adjustment: If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Variations:
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast (flavor will differ from the classic).
This sauce works wonderfully tossed with pasta, drizzled over grilled chicken, or as a rich dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.