
Creamy, spicy, irresistible
This Cajun Alfredo Sauce is rich, bold, and packed with just the right amount of heat. Classic creamy Alfredo gets a Southern kick from Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a sauce that instantly upgrades pasta, chicken, shrimp, or veggies. It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want big flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a little spice or looking for a versatile sauce to meal prep, this Cajun Alfredo delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry staples.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: About 2 cups sauce (4 servings)
📝 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (optional, Cajun seasoning may already be salty)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Melt the butter. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until just bubbling.
- Add garlic. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown). 🧄
- Pour in cream. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season it up. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir well. 🌶️
- Make it creamy. Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese a little at a time until melted and smooth. Sauce should be thick and glossy. 🧀
- Taste & adjust. Add salt only if needed. Remove from heat once desired thickness is reached. ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Too thick? Thin with a splash of pasta water or milk.
- Too spicy? Add a bit more cream or Parmesan to mellow the heat.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of onion powder or Italian seasoning.
- Best cheese: Always grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Toss with fettuccine or penne
- Spoon over grilled chicken or shrimp
- Drizzle on roasted vegetables
- Use as a pizza or flatbread sauce