Name: Heritage Commons Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3 tbs unsalted butter; 1 tbs olive oil; 4 pcs garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbs all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs lemon juice; 2 tbs fresh parsley, chopped (optional); 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or preferred), cooked al dente

Method

Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Prep

Grate the Parmesan and measure out milk, cream, and spices. Mince garlic and chop parsley if using. Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, drain and set aside.

Make a roux

In a large heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once butter melts and starts to foam (about 1 minute), add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it does not brown. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste and form a light roux; it should be pale and bubbling but not darkened.

Add dairy

Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth, then whisk in the heavy cream. Increase heat to medium-high briefly while whisking to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Simmer 2–3 minutes, whisking often, until the mixture starts to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.

Season and finish

Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and sauce is smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more Cajun seasoning for heat/savory, more salt if necessary).

Add cheese

Remove the pan from direct heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt into the sauce and create a glossy finish. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in reserved pasta cooking water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Combine with pasta

Return the pan to the lowest heat setting (simmer off) and add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently with tongs or a spoon until pasta is evenly coated, adding additional pasta water if needed to thin the sauce so it clings to the noodles.

Serve

Taste and adjust final seasoning. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta (optional). Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan and an extra pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if desired.