Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce

Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce – bold, spicy, and decadently creamy, loaded with irresistible Cajun flair, perfect for pasta, seafood, or rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brimming with the signature flavors of Louisiana, this creamy crawfish sauce is a showstopper:

  • Bold and flavorful with a rich blend of spices and aromatics
  • Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes
  • Perfect for seafood lovers, especially fans of Cajun cuisine
  • Versatile enough to pair with pasta, fish, steak, or grits
  • Impressive yet simple enough for weeknight meals or special occasions

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces cooked crawfish tails (with fat if available)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
  7. Add the crawfish tails and simmer for another 3–5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley, then remove from heat.
  9. Serve immediately over pasta, seared fish, steak, or grits for a bold Cajun meal.

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • No Wine Option: Substitute chicken or seafood broth in place of white wine.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add chopped tomatoes or spinach for more texture and nutrients.
  • Creamy Tomato Version: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic for a richer color and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter for a lactose-free twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore texture if needed.
  • Freezing Not Recommended: The creamy consistency may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Crawfish Tails?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before adding to the sauce.

What If I Don’t Have Creole Seasoning?

You can make a quick blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.

Is This Sauce Very Spicy?

It has a mild kick. Adjust cayenne to your heat preference or omit it entirely for a milder version.

Can I Substitute The Crawfish?

Yes, shrimp or crab meat can be used as alternatives with excellent results.

What Type Of Wine Should I Use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. Avoid sweet wines.

How Do I Prevent The Cream From Curdling?

Use low to medium heat and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream.

What Pasta Works Best With This Sauce?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices to hold the creamy sauce.

Can I Add Cheese?

Yes, a bit of grated Parmesan can enhance the richness, though it’s not traditional.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be certain.

How Can I Make It Healthier?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce is a bold, comforting dish that captures the heart of Louisiana cooking. Rich with seafood flavor and layered with aromatic vegetables and spices, this sauce is an unforgettable addition to pasta, fish, or grits. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or spice up a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers with every creamy, Cajun-spiced bite.

More Cajun & Comfort-Inspired Recipes to Explore

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Close-up of crawfish in a creamy Cajun sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes in a white skillet.

Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This decadent Cajun-style cream sauce is packed with sweet crawfish tails, bold Creole seasoning, and aromatic vegetables, all brought together with a touch of white wine and heavy cream—perfect over pasta, fish, or steak.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces cooked crawfish tails (with fat if available)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
  7. Add the crawfish tails and simmer for another 3-5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley, then remove from heat.
  9. Serve immediately over pasta, seared fish, steak, or grits for a bold Cajun meal.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred spice level.
  • Use shrimp as a substitute if crawfish is unavailable.
  • Perfect with linguine or creamy polenta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg