Dinner

Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Byluca Carter October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

This Cajun Alfredo Sauce brings a big burst of flavor to your favorite pasta dishes. Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold seasonings, it’s a delicious twist on the classic Alfredo that’s sure to impress.

A white bowl filled with creamy orange-yellow fettuccine pasta, topped with sprinkled grated cheese and chopped green herbs. On the left side inside the bowl, there is a small bunch of fresh green microgreens, and a slice of bright yellow lemon rests beside them. The bowl sits on a round wooden board, and behind it, some fresh green parsley is visible against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
1½ cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought*)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if your seasoning blend contains salt)

1¾ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons 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

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat until melted and it begins to froth, which means you’ll see white bubbles on top.
Step 2: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Add salt if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook on low for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon zest. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Step 4: Add your cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, but note this will slightly alter the richness.

If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper amount or omit it altogether.
Adding cooked shrimp or grilled chicken makes this sauce perfect for a heartier meal.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.

Storage

Store any leftover Cajun Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat and add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture, stirring frequently to prevent separation.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy pasta served in a white bowl, showing wide, flat noodles coated in a rich, light orange sauce. On top, there is a sprinkle of finely grated light yellow cheese and chopped fresh green herbs scattered evenly across the dish. The noodles have a smooth and slightly thick texture, with some curling and folding over each other. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving and add a little cream if needed to bring back its silky consistency.