One of the basic rules of cooking is that just because pasta is a simple dish doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be elegant. The good news is that this Cajun Alfredo sauce is as elegant as it gets. It’s creamy, smooth, and delicious, with a hint of earthy flavor.
The best thing about our Cajun Alfredo sauce recipe is its flexibility. If you don’t feel like having pasta, you can always enjoy this sauce with chicken. You only need some of the most basic ingredients, and it’s all done in under 15 minutes. Let’s take a look.
Ingredients
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy whipping cream — 2 cups
- Unsalted butter — 6 tbsp.
- Dry white wine — ½ cup
- Cajun seasoning — 2 ½ tbsp.
- Parmesan cheese — ½ cup, grated
- Parsley — 2 tbsp., grated
- Shallot — 1, finely diced
- Pasta — ½ pound
- Salt — ½ tsp.
- Black pepper — ½ tsp.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt some butter in a saucepan.
- Add the shallot and the garlic. Sauté until brown, about a minute.
- Pour the dry white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the rest of the butter.
- Add Cajun seasoning, whipping cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Simmer until the consistency is smooth. Add the parsley on top.
- Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over pasta.
Substitutions
- Dry white wine — The dry white wine provides acidity and moisture to this recipe. If you don’t have any white wine, we suggest using vinegar instead. Apple cider vinegar is good, and white wine vinegar will also do. You can substitute both in a 1/1 ratio.
- Heavy whipping cream — This is a must in any pasta sauce, including this Cajun Alfredo sauce recipe. There are two alternatives for those who do not want to use heavy cream. Those are Greek yogurt and sour cream, and both work well. Still, remember that your sauce will lack the iconic creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese — If you have parmesan cheese, you should go for it. If that’s not an option, consider using cheddar cheese instead. You can use mozzarella as well.
- Cajun seasoning — As the name suggests, Cajun seasoning is a big part of this recipe. If you do not have any, combine a teaspoon of chili powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper, and you are all set.
Variations
- Alcohol-free —If you'll be making this recipe without alcohol, keep in mind that broth, whether it's chicken or vegetable, works just fine, providing some extra depth. If you’d be fine with the slight taste difference that comes with broth, then you should go with it. You can also use apple juice or grape juice, for that matter, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
- Earthy — This Cajun Alfredo sauce recipe could always be elevated to the next level. With that in mind, you can add some herbs and spices for a richer, earthier flavor. The results will be fantastic. Dried oregano, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning all should be considered.
Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Storage
- Pour the leftover Cajun Alfredo sauce into an airtight container. Once stored in your fridge, the leftover sauce lasts up to four days.
Pro Tips
- The consistency — Although you can get away with using half a cup of cheese in this Cajun Alfredo sauce recipe, if the consistency of the sauce is not what you expect it to be, keep in mind that adding more and more cheese helps thicken it.
- The pasta water — Beginner or an experienced cook, everyone is always looking for new ideas. Here is a small tip that is helpful - save a glass of pasta water. It’s not only flavorful and delicious, but it will also help you dilute the Cajun Alfredo sauce if needed.
