INTRODUCTION
Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich, spicy sauce that brings life to pasta, seafood, or chicken. It uses heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning to make a smooth, bold sauce. This sauce cooks fast. You can make it in one pan and serve it in minutes. If you like a little heat and a lot of cream, you will like this sauce.
I also like to pair simple drinks and treats with this sauce. For a sweet coffee touch you can try a brown sugar oat milk creamer recipe to enjoy later, even though it is not part of the sauce.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Cajun Cream Sauce because it is fast and full of flavor. It uses few ingredients. You can make it in ten minutes. The sauce is creamy and spicy but not too heavy. You can pour it over many foods. It makes plain pasta or chicken taste special. The spice can be mild or strong, so you can change it to fit your taste.
This sauce also pairs well with sweet or rich foods. For a dessert coffee idea after the meal, try a simple butterscotch sauce to finish the dinner on a sweet note.
HOW TO MAKE Cajun Cream Sauce
This sauce is easy. You cook garlic in oil, add spices, then stir in cream and cheese. The cheese melts into the cream and makes a smooth sauce. Taste and add salt or pepper if you need it. Serve it right away on pasta, shrimp, or chicken.
While you cook the sauce, you might enjoy a cold coffee treat. A creamy coffee like the chocolate cream cold brew copycat works well when you want a cold drink with dinner.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Small saucepan or skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if your Parmesan is not pre-grated)
- Knife and cutting board for the garlic
- Serving spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving over pasta, seafood, or chicken.
HOW TO SERVE Cajun Cream Sauce
Serve this sauce warm. Spoon it over hot pasta and toss to coat. Pour it over cooked shrimp or scallops. Spoon it on top of grilled or roasted chicken. The sauce is thick and clings to food. You can thin it with a little pasta water if you need it looser.
A fun meal idea is to plate the pasta and then add the sauce, topping with parsley. For a casual meal, use it as a dip for fried shrimp. For a richer plate, add extra Parmesan on top.
When you plan a full menu, you can offer a light, fizzy dessert like a cola ice cream float to cool the palate after a spicy sauce.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cajun Cream Sauce
Short-term storage:
- Cool the sauce to room temperature within two hours.
- Move it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- This sauce can change texture when frozen. Cream and cheese can separate a bit.
- If you must freeze, cool the sauce and place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to one month.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat and whisk well. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to bring it back to a smooth texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Toss with fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- Pour over grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
- Serve with pan-seared shrimp or scallops.
- Use as a base for a creamy seafood pasta.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables for a rich side.
Want a cozy drink after the meal? A warm spiced latte like the creamy eggnog latte can be a nice choice for winter dinners.
VARIATIONS
- Milder sauce: Use 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning instead of 2.
- Extra heat: Add crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Herbed version: Stir in chopped basil or thyme at the end.
- Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or a mix of Parmesan and Asiago.
- Lighter sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce will be thinner.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream alternative and a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese, but the flavor will differ.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this sauce without cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner. To keep it closer to the original, cook a small slurry of cornstarch and water and add it to thicken if you use milk.
Q: How long does this sauce take to make?
A: The sauce takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. It cooks quickly once the cream hits the pan.
Q: Can I make the sauce less spicy for kids?
A: Yes. Cut the Cajun seasoning in half or use a mild seasoning blend. Taste as you go and stop when the heat level is right.
Q: Is Cajun seasoning the same as Creole seasoning?
A: No. Cajun seasoning is usually spicier and more simple. Creole seasoning often has more herbs and a milder heat. You can use either, but the taste will change.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
A: Yes. Cook vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach first, then stir them into the sauce at the end.
Q: Does the sauce thicken as it cools?
A: Yes. The sauce will thicken a bit as it cools. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if it gets too thick.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cajun Cream Sauce
- Make the sauce the day before and store in the fridge. Reheat gently and whisk to recombine.
- If you plan to freeze, pour the sauce into small portions before freezing so you thaw only what you need.
- Keep extra cooked pasta or protein on the side and add the hot sauce just before serving to keep textures fresh.
- Prepare garlic ahead by mincing and storing in the fridge for one day. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, so avoid prepping too long ahead.
Conclusion
Cajun Cream Sauce is quick, rich, and flexible. You can make it in minutes and use it on many dishes. If you want another take on this sauce or extra ideas, see a similar detailed recipe at Cajun Sauce Recipe – Little Broken.
Cajun Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving over pasta, seafood, or chicken.