This easy Cajun Alfredo sauce recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors. Made with butter, garlic, heavy whipping cream, Cajun seasoning, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this homemade Cajun Alfredo sauce comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
If you love Cajun chicken Alfredo, Cajun shrimp Alfredo, or creamy Cajun pasta dishes, this sauce is an easy way to add big flavor without pulling out a dozen spice jars. Pour it over fettuccine Alfredo, penne, or your favorite pasta for an easy weeknight meal.
If you like delicious pasta recipes, try my one-pot sun-dried tomato pasta, chicken meatball Alfredo, or this spicy chipotle chicken pasta for an easy dinner.
Shortcut Notes
- Easy recipe: This Cajun Alfredo sauce comes together in about 15 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: No need for a homemade Cajun seasoning recipe or a long list of spices.
- Versatile sauce: Use this creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce for pasta, chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
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Ingredients
- Butter: Unsalted butter is a rich, creamy base for the sauce. You want unsalted because the seasoning blend has plenty of salt.
- Garlic: Adds flavor and depth. Use fresh garlic (or jarred garlic in a pinch).
- Heavy whipping cream: Gives this Cajun cream sauce its smooth, creamy texture.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning: A typical Cajun spice mix includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, thyme, oregano, and salt. This recipe was developed using Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated parm adds a sharp, salty finish. It's important to use freshly grated parm. Pre-shredded parmesan will not melt well and will result in a lumpy, grainy sauce. If you are vegetarian, it's important to note that parmesan is not always vegetarian because it sometimes uses rennet. However, many brands (365 Whole Foods, Kroger, Organic Valley, and Trader Joe's) are vegetarian-friendly.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare your favorite pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile...
Add butter to a large skillet on medium heat.
When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer then reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 7-10 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Note: Setting the heat too high can cause the sauce to split. If this happens, read the FAQ for tips.
Whisk in the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan until the cheese is melted. Note: The salt content in Cajun and Creole seasonings varies by brand, so it's best to season to taste.
Ready to serve!
Pour over 8 to 12 ounces of your favorite cooked pasta. Serve immediately while hot to ensure the best taste and texture.
Best Ways to Serve Cajun Alfredo Sauce
This creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce is incredibly versatile.
For a classic Cajun chicken Alfredo, toss the sauce with sliced blackened chicken breast and fettuccine. Cajun shrimp Alfredo is another favorite option, especially when paired with linguine or penne.
You can also add smoked sausage or andouille sausage for a hearty Cajun pasta dish. Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for an easy dinner.
Substitutions
- Heavy whipping cream: Half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative, but it may not thicken up quite as well as heavy cream.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning: This recipe was developed using Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning, but you can also use Ragin' Cajun, Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, Badia Louisiana Cajun Seasoning, or something similar. Salt content varies, so you may want to add extra seasoning. If you want to use salt-free Cajun seasoning, see my tips below.
- Parmesan: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be used as substitutes, but avoid pre-shredded Parmesan to prevent a lumpy sauce.
Top Tips
Keep the heat low: Setting the heat too high can cause the sauce to split. See the FAQ for instructions on how to fix split sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often creates a grainy sauce.
Season to taste: The salt content in Cajun and Creole seasonings varies by brand, so it's best to season to taste.
FAQ
The burner heat was probably set too high. To fix the split Alfredo sauce, gradually whisk in small amounts of hot pasta water into the sauce over low heat until it emulsifies and becomes creamy again. Be careful not to add too much water at once to avoid diluting the flavor and texture of the sauce.
📖 Recipe
Easy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning*
- 1-½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add butter to a large skillet on medium heat. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer then reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 7-10 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Note: Setting the heat too high can cause the sauce to split.
- Whisk in the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan until the cheese is melted. Note: The salt content in Cajun and Creole seasonings varies by brand, so it's best to season to taste.
- Pour over 8 to 12 ounces of your favorite cooked pasta. Serve immediately while hot to ensure the best taste and texture.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Pasta Dishes
If you love this Cajun pasta, try one of these easy pasta dishes. They are some of my favorite recipes.
Joleen says
Very good flavor. Only thing I would change is to add some flour to the butter just to thicken it up a bit. It ran a little too runny for me.
Kelsey Smith says
Thanks for taking the time to stop back by and leave a rating! I appreciate the feedback.
Kelsey Smith says
The trick to this recipe is seasoning to taste. Since every Cajun or Creole seasoning blend is a little different, you should start with the 2 tsp recommended and then taste and go from there. Enjoy!