Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is creamy, savory, and easy to prepare. It turns an affordable ingredient into a comforting side that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage: Rich, Savory, and Comfortingly Simple
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender sautéed cabbage coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce with melted Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook to maintain slight texture in cabbage.
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Green cabbage provides a tender texture and mild sweetness when sautéed.
Butter adds richness and enhances flavor.
Olive oil prevents burning and supports even cooking.
Garlic delivers aromatic depth and savory warmth.
Heavy cream creates the silky, creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
Salt enhances overall flavor and balances the creaminess.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and complexity.
Italian seasoning provides subtle herbal notes.
Fresh parsley can be used for garnish and freshness.
Directions
Begin by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and slicing it into thin strips. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the cabbage and sauté until it begins to soften and slightly caramelize. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and reduce heat to allow the mixture to simmer gently.
Stir in grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the cabbage evenly.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings, with one mini blooming onion per serving. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 12 minutes, making the total time around 27 minutes.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people as a side dish. Preparation takes 10 minutes, with cooking time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the creamy texture.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage is easy to customize. For extra richness, add a small amount of cream cheese to the sauce. I tested this recipe with a pinch of red pepper flakes, which added subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
You may substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version. Adding crispy bacon pieces provides additional texture and savory depth.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. These variations allow flexibility while preserving the creamy, savory character of the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook
Cook until tender but not mushy for best texture.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Simmer Gently
Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating.
Season Gradually
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, though the color and flavor will differ slightly.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
It is relatively low in carbohydrates and suitable for many low-carb diets.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.
What pairs well with this side?
It complements roasted meats, chicken, or fish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms or spinach can be incorporated.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep heat moderate and avoid boiling the cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage turns simple ingredients into a rich, comforting side dish full of savory flavor. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, it offers a satisfying way to enjoy cabbage in a new and delicious form.
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