Easy Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite

When it comes to dinner, there’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish to bring the family together. Our family’s favorite go-to recipe is this Cajun Alfredo sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and gives that little extra kick thanks to the cajun spices.

Over the years, we’ve perfected the recipe to suit everyone’s tastes, and it’s become a staple in our home. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting meal or an easy weeknight dinner, this cajun cream sauce is sure to impress.

Try it with chicken, pasta and broccoli or with fish like salmon patties or pork tenderloin.

Why My Family Loves This Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out is its combination of creamy alfredo sauce and cajun flavors. The sauce is rich and creamy, thanks to the perfect balance of heavy cream, cream cheese, and butter, but the cayenne pepper and creole seasoning kick it up a notch.

My family loves the extra kick that the cajun seasoning gives to the sauce without being too overwhelming. It’s the perfect balance between traditional alfredo sauce and cajun cuisine.

We like to serve this dish with a variety of favorite pasta types. Fettuccine is our go-to, but you could also use penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a healthier twist. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit anyone’s preferences.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients to make this easy Cajun Alfredo sauce recipe that your family will love:

1. Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the cajun spice mix wonderfully. You can also use andouille sausage or shrimp for a variation.
2. Heavy Cream & Heavy Whipping Cream: These two ingredients create the creamy base of the sauce. They give it that rich, velvety texture we all love in creamy sauces.
3. Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth and tangy flavor to the sauce, making it extra creamy.
4. Butter: Unsalted butter is used to sauté the chicken and create the base for the sauce.
5. Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For that subtle, savory flavor in the sauce.
6. Cajun Spices (Cajun Seasoning & Creole Seasoning): These give the dish its signature cajun flavors. You can buy pre-made blends or make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
7. Black Pepper & Cayenne Pepper: For extra flavor and spice. If you like your dishes on the milder side, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper.
8. Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. You can use a block of parmesan and grate it fresh for the best results.
9. Pasta (Fettuccine or Your Favorite Pasta): Fettuccine Alfredo is the classic choice, but you can use any pasta that you love.
10. Fresh Parsley (for garnish): This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Make Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Making this creamy cajun alfredo sauce is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious meal:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil.
2. Season your chicken breasts with a bit of cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine.
4. Add the cream cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce.
5. Sprinkle in your cajun spice mix and creole seasoning. Taste and adjust the amount of cajun seasoning depending on your desired spice level. Add cayenne pepper for an extra kick if you like.
6. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and simmer the sauce on medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 5 minutes). If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or pasta water.
7. Season with black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions.
2. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Slice your chicken breasts into strips.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy cajun alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
3. Add the sliced chicken and fresh parsley as a garnish.
4. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as extra parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added heat.

How to Serve Cajun Alfredo Pasta

This dish can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences:

• As a main dish: Serve the pasta and cajun chicken alfredo on its own with a side of green beans or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• With a salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs well with the rich cajun alfredo pasta.
• With garlic bread: If you’re craving carbs, serve this creamy pasta with some toasted garlic bread for a comforting meal.

Variations on Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are some variations to try:

• Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Cajun Chicken & Sausage: Add andouille sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini noodles, or other veggies for a flavorful vegetarian meal.
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper and cajun seasoning. If you love spice, you can add more red pepper or even jalapeños.

Storage and Leftovers

This creamy cajun alfredo sauce is great for leftovers! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If the sauce thickens after sitting, simply reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it up.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cajun alfredo pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to keep everything fresh.

When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This easy cajun alfredo sauce recipe is a great way to add some spice to your family’s dinner routine.

With simple ingredients like heavy cream, cream cheese, and cajun seasoning, you can create a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with fettuccine alfredo or any other type of pasta.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a dish for guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of pantry staples and create a delicious meal in no time!

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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A creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce you can serve over pasta, chicken breasts, and broccoli, garnished with fresh parsley. You can also use it as a sauce over salmon patties, fish, or pork tenderloin. The homemade Cajun cream sauce is made with heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cajun seasoning for a flavorful kick. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a comforting dinner with your favorite pasta.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250kcal

Author: By Darlene | Food and Life Path

Cost: $10

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder))
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

• In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine.
• Add the cream cheese cubes and cook, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun spices if needed.

Notes

Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary according to ingredients used. 

Adjustments to Lower or Increase Nutritional Values:

• Lower-fat version:
  Use light cream cheese, half-and-half (instead of heavy cream), and olive oil instead of butter. You can also reduce the amount of cheese to lower the fat content.
• Lower-calorie version:
  Use reduced-fat versions of the cream and cream cheese or substitute the heavy cream with a lighter dairy option, such as milk or unsweetened almond milk.
• Lower-sodium version:
  Use a homemade cajun seasoning blend with no added salt or use low-sodium cream cheese and parmesan cheese. You can also use fresh herbs and garlic instead of pre-packaged seasonings.
• Higher-protein version:
  Add more parmesan cheese or chicken to the dish. You could also add Greek yogurt to thicken the sauce and add more protein while cutting back on fat.

Serving Size Adjustments:

This nutritional estimate is for 1/4 cup of sauce. If you use more or less sauce, you’ll need to adjust the nutritional values accordingly. For example, if you use 1/2 cup of sauce, the calorie count would roughly double.

If you’re making a full pasta dish (with pasta, chicken, and veggies), the nutritional breakdown will depend on how much of the sauce you use per serving and the additions you make (like pasta type, chicken, or veggies).

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 600mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 0.5mg