Name: Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 ½ cup heavy cream; 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store bought); ½ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if seasoning blend contains salt); 1¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 lemon (zest only); 3 Tablespoons smoked paprika; 1 Tablespoon onion powder; 1 Tablespoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoon 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you crave a sauce that’s creamy, spicy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe is bound to become your new kitchen obsession. Combining the richness of classic Alfredo with a vibrant Cajun seasoning punch, it transforms any pasta dish into a soulful Southern celebration. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness that will keep everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver frying pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white towel underneath. Inside the pan, there are three main layers visible: a melted yellow butter base covering most of the pan, a creamy white liquid layer spreading unevenly over the butter, and a small dark brown section of spices and sugar forming a rough circle near the center. The pan shows slight marks of use around the rim and has a metal handle attached with three rivets. A bunch of fresh green parsley leaves is slightly visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create its signature flavor and luscious texture. Each element plays a key role—from the smooth butter and heavy cream acting as the velvety base, to the smoky paprika and lemon zest that add depth and brightness.

Unsalted butter (½ cup): The rich, creamy foundation that gives the sauce its smooth mouthfeel.
Heavy cream (1 ½ cup): Adds luscious body and helps meld all flavors together perfectly.
Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons): The star of the show; a blend of spices that brings a spicy, smoky kick.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, but can be omitted if your seasoning already contains salt.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1¾ cup): Provides that signature cheesy, nutty richness and thickens the sauce.
Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
Smoked paprika (3 tablespoons): Imparts a deep smoky warmth that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
Onion powder (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle savory notes without overpowering the sauce.
Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Brings in aromatic depth that melds with cheese and cream.
Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Balances the spices and heightens the overall flavor profile.
Ground white pepper (1 teaspoon): Offers a mild peppery kick without dark specks in the pale sauce.
Ground mustard (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle tang and complexity in the background.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Contributes herby notes that brighten the savory mix.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy herbal complexity that pairs well with the other spices.
Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds that extra touch of heat to electrify the sauce.
Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Offers sweetness and subtle aromatic freshness.

How to Make Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by melting the butter gently over low heat in a large skillet. Watch closely as it melts and begins to froth with delicate white bubbles on top—this signals that it’s perfectly ready for the next step. This slow melt ensures a silky base and allows the butter’s rich flavor to shine through.

Step 2: Add the Cream and Cajun Seasoning

Stir in the heavy cream along with your Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt if needed. Bringing this mixture to a simmer over low heat lets the spices slowly infuse the cream, releasing their bold and smoky aromas. Let it cook gently for 5 to 6 minutes until everything is beautifully combined and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Infuse with Lemon and Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon zest. This sharp burst of citrus will brighten all the rich creaminess instantly. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce with a luscious texture that clings perfectly to pasta.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Add your favorite cooked pasta right into the pan and toss until every strand or piece is generously coated with this spicy, creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe. Whether it’s fettuccine, penne, or even gnocchi, this sauce embraces it with a luxurious, flavorful hug that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with soft, wide egg noodles coated in a creamy orange-yellow sauce, giving the pasta a smooth and slightly thick texture. The noodles are layered unevenly with some overlapping. On top, there is a light sprinkle of grated white cheese and small pieces of fresh green parsley scattered evenly, adding contrast to the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the final dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either, along with a few lemon wedges to add a zestful squeeze for those who want a citrusy twist.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which soak up the sauce’s delicious flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use this Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe as a base for a decadent pasta bake topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese. Or dollop it over grilled chicken or shrimp for Cajun-inspired protein dishes that wow the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next meal even more irresistible.

Freezing

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the cream content.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore its silky consistency if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works well and saves time. Just check the salt content to avoid over-salting your sauce.

Is this sauce spicy?

Yes, this Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe has a noticeable but balanced heat from cayenne and spices, which you can adjust to suit your spice preference.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Wide noodles like fettuccine or penne are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use whatever you love most.

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

It would be challenging since cream and cheese are key here, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream and vegan cheese substitutes keeping in mind the texture and flavor will differ.

How long does the sauce take to make?

This recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe, it will be your go-to for those moments craving comfort with a little kick. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold spices that bring excitement to any meal. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and dive into the ultimate Cajun creaminess tonight!

Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need