5
Discovering this Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo sauce gem felt like hitting the culinary jackpot. With its rich Alfredo base and a kick of Cajun spice, Trader Joe’s has created a sauce that’s indulgent, flavorful, and versatile—all packed into a convenient jar.
Table of Contents
How to make Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo
Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo is a ready-made pasta sauce that blends the creamy richness of traditional Alfredo with the bold, zesty flavors of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for extra richness)
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add olive oil (if using) for added flavor and richness.
- Cook the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the spices: Add your paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the spices into the butter mixture to bloom the flavors.
- Pour in the cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the pan, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-6 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan (or Grana Padano) cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce achieves a creamy, silky consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste with more salt or black pepper.
- Finish the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for another minute or two on low heat. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out slightly with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta (like fettuccine or penne), and pair it with blackened chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Tips for Making Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- Adjust the spice: If you’re a fan of fiery flavors, don’t be shy about adding more cayenne or smoked paprika. On the other hand, if you prefer mild heat, reduce the cayenne or skip it altogether.
- Get creative with proteins: Pair the sauce with blackened chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even seared scallops for protein-packed meals. Coat the proteins in Cajun seasoning before cooking for an extra punch of flavor.
- Use fresh cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese, as pre-shredded versions often contain anti-clumping agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Save pasta water: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water when cooking your noodles—it’s great for thinning the sauce while keeping it creamy.
- Make it smoky: For an authentic Cajun-inspired flavor, smoked paprika is a gamechanger. Add a little more for robust smokiness without overpowering the creaminess.
- Vegetarian variation: Swap out the proteins for roasted veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re looking to make a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo sauce but need to use some substitutes due to dietary restrictions, the availability of ingredients, or personal preference, there are plenty of flexible options!
1. Butter
Substitute:
- Vegan butter (for dairy-free or vegan alternatives)
- Ghee (clarified butter, often used for its deep, nutty flavor)
- Olive oil (for a lighter option or when you’re out of butter)
- Butter is the base for the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce, but olive oil works great for a healthier or non-dairy substitute.
2. Heavy Cream
Substitute:
- Half-and-half (for a lighter option but still creamy)
- Coconut cream (for a dairy-free option with a slight coconut flavor)
- Cashew cream (a vegan alternative; blend soaked cashews with water for a thick, creamy substitute)
- Greek yogurt (for a tangier and healthier version; thin it with milk to achieve the desired consistency)
- Heavy cream provides a silky finish, but cashew cream and coconut cream are fantastic alternatives for those avoiding dairy.
3. Parmesan or Grana Padano Cheese
Substitute:
- Nutritional yeast (a dairy-free, vegan option with a cheesy, nutty flavor; great for those avoiding lactose)
- Goat cheese (if you’re looking for more tang and creaminess)
- Pecorino Romano (similar to Parmesan but made from sheep’s milk; slightly saltier)
- Freshly grated cheese is key to creating a smooth, melty sauce, but nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy kick for dairy-free cooking.
4. Spices (Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Garlic, etc.)
Substitute:
- Chili powder (instead of cayenne for heat; adjust the amount for spiciness)
- Chipotle powder (for added earthiness and smoky notes in place of smoked paprika)
- Fresh garlic can be swapped with garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- Old Bay seasoning (a versatile spice blend that complements Cajun flavors)
- For authentic Cajun flavors, smoked paprika and cayenne are key, but substitutes like chili powder and Old Bay can still bring a bold kick.
5. Pasta Shapes
Substitute:
- Zoodles (spiralized zucchini) or spaghetti squash (for gluten-free, lower-carb options)
- Gluten-free pasta (available in rice, corn, or chickpea varieties)
- Gnocchi (for a twist on classic Alfredo sauce)
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo pairs perfectly with traditional fettuccine, but you can experiment with other grain-free or gluten-free options.
6. Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)
Substitute:
- Tofu or tempeh (for a high-protein vegetarian option; marinate in Cajun spices before cooking)
- Seitan (if you’re seeking a meat-like texture for plant-based meals)
- White beans or chickpeas (for a vegan protein boost; sauté them and toss them with the sauce)
- Smoked sausage or chorizo (for a pork-based variation that complements the spice)
- Blackened chicken and shrimp are staples in Cajun-style Alfredo, but plant-based proteins work wonderfully for vegan renditions.
7. Flour for Thickening
Substitute:
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (mix with water to create a slurry; perfect for gluten-free thickening)
- Potato starch (another great gluten-free alternative with a silky texture)
- Mashed potatoes (for an unconventional thickener that adds creaminess to the sauce).
Final Thoughts
With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo sauce right in your own kitchen.
More Trader Joe’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add olive oil (if using) for added flavor and richness.
- Cook the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the spices: Add your paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the spices into the butter mixture to bloom the flavors.
- Pour in the cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the pan, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-6 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan (or Grana Padano) cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce achieves a creamy, silky consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste with more salt or black pepper.
- Finish the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for another minute or two on low heat. If it's too thick, you can thin it out slightly with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta (like fettuccine or penne), and pair it with blackened chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
