Description
This irresistibly creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce combines the rich decadence of traditional Alfredo with a bold, spicy kick from Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Perfect for elevating your pasta dishes, this sauce offers a velvety texture with a delightful balance of heat and zest, making it a crowd-pleaser in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1.75 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat until frothy, about 2 minutes, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Cajun seasoning. Add kosher salt if needed, then let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest to brighten the sauce. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly and gives the sauce a velvety finish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper as desired for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve: Toss your cooked pasta in the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
- Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- This sauce pairs well with fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, adjusting thickness as needed.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; gently reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun Alfredo sauce, creamy Cajun sauce, spicy Alfredo, easy Cajun recipe, Cajun pasta sauce, homemade Alfredo sauce
