Ingredients
Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store bought)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if seasoning blend contains salt)
- 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
Cheese & Garnish
- 1¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zest only)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat until fully melted and beginning to froth, indicated by white bubbles forming on top. This ensures a smooth base for your sauce.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, if your seasoning blend lacks salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook for 5 to 6 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the lemon zest to add brightness. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust salt to taste at this point.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Add your cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Cajun Alfredo sauce, or serve the sauce alongside your pasta as desired for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not pre-grated) for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of salt depending on the salt content in your Cajun seasoning blend.
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer slightly longer but be careful not to let it boil vigorously.
- The lemon zest brightens the sauce and balances the heat from the Cajun spices.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with fettuccine or penne pasta, and can also complement grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun