Get ready to turn up the heat with this Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta! This recipe combines the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun seasoning with the rich, velvety texture of homemade Alfredo sauce. Whether you add shrimp, chicken, or keep it vegetarian, every bite delivers a delicious and comforting kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish comes together quickly while tasting like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed pasta you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
- ¾ lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chicken base / bouillon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- In a large skillet or pot, add olive oil, butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes and add the chicken base / bouillon, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cajun seasoning.
- Using a whisk, stir in milk and heavy cream.
- Simmer until it's near a boil and add in 1 cup of parmesan cheese and 1/8 crush red pepper flakes.
Pasta
- In a medium sauce, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain pasta or use a strainer and add pasta to the alfredo sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Top with remaining parmesan cheese and crush red pepper flakes (optional).
