Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe: 5 Easy Steps for a Bold Main
This creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce delivers a silky, spicy kick, perfect for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Quick to make in under 30 minutes, it features fresh Parmesan, garlic, and rich cream for a bold weeknight dinner that’s endlessly versatile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main dishes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins for Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cubed or sliced (optional)
- OR 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
Pantry Staples
- Olive oil for cooking (especially if preparing meat or shrimp)
- Cajun seasoning blend (make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper)
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and measure all ingredients: grate the Parmesan, mince the garlic, season to taste, and prepare your chosen protein.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant but not browned, 30–60 seconds.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning for 30 seconds, then add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, or until the mixture has just thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan gradually until the sauce is smooth—season with salt and pepper.
- Fold in the cooked protein, if using, and warm together for 2–3 minutes. Serve over pasta, veggies, or your favorite base.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality cream. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred level of spiciness. The sauce is not suitable for freezing. Add cooked protein or serve vegetarian-style. Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Keywords: Cajun Alfredo, creamy pasta, spicy sauce, weeknight dinner, Parmesan, easy recipe