Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that transforms humble greens into something absolutely irresistible, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage. This recipe takes crisp, subtly sweet cabbage and elevates it with a luscious blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a dreamy creamy sauce that coats every tender wedge. With a touch of Cajun seasoning for just the right amount of kick, this dish is all about comfort, flavor, and simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves veggies with bold personality and cozy vibes.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. These staples come together to form a dish that looks elegant yet feels decadently homey.

  • Green cabbage (1 medium head): The star of the show, providing crunch and mild sweetness that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
  • Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps achieve that golden sear on the cabbage wedges.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Works together with butter to prevent burning and adds a smooth mouthfeel.
  • Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): Contributes gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with robust aroma and a flavorful punch.
  • Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates the lush, silky sauce that wraps every bite in indulgence.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Imparts savory sharpness and melting goodness for richness.
  • Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky-spicy complexity that wakes up the palate.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that highlight all the layers of flavor.
  • Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon plus more for garnish): Brings a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage

Step 1: Sear the Cabbage Wedges

Start by heating your butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, nestle the cabbage wedges flat-side down and leave them undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side. This searing step is crucial because it develops a beautiful golden crust that adds texture and a touch of caramelized flavor which complements the creaminess to come. Flip carefully with tongs, and once perfectly browned on all sides, set the wedges aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and golden, around 5 minutes. This gentle caramelization creates a sweet base note that balances the sharpness of garlic and richness of the sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the Cajun seasoning. Let everything cook together for about a minute until you can smell that irresistible garlic fragrance mingling with the smokey spice. This step infuses the sauce with layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream while scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Those little caramelized pieces add an extra depth of flavor you definitely don’t want to miss. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let the cream thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, turning silky and luscious.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Parsley

Once the cream has thickened slightly, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Stir continuously as the cheese melts into the sauce, binding everything into a smooth, cheesy delight. Let it simmer another minute to marry the flavors perfectly.

Step 6: Combine and Cook Until Tender

Carefully return your golden cabbage wedges back to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce generously over the top. Partially cover the skillet and allow everything to cook together for 5 more minutes until the cabbage softens just enough to be fork-tender, soaking up that luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Final Touches

Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage warm to fully enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate this dish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is wonderful but feel free to add a few shavings of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These simple garnishes give visual appeal and a little extra punch of flavor, making the creamy garlic parmesan cabbage pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

This cabbage pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or seared fish, making it an ideal side for hearty weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s also delightful alongside creamy mashed potatoes or even crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cabbage wedges on a large platter with the sauce spooned over individually, or chop them up after cooking and toss in the sauce for a creamy cabbage salad-style dish. You can also layer the wedges in a casserole dish, pour over the sauce, and bake briefly for a baked creamy garlic Parmesan cabbage casserole twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy garlic parmesan cabbage keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage will continue to soak up the sauce flavors, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but note that the texture of the cabbage may soften further upon thawing. If freezing, store it in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid breaking the sauce. Stir occasionally and if the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Red cabbage will give the dish a lovely color and slightly different flavor profile but the cooking method and creamy sauce will work just as well.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich and slightly thinner.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The Cajun seasoning adds just a gentle warmth and smoky depth rather than intense heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit it for a milder taste.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping butter for a plant-based oil, using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, you can create a vegan-friendly version that’s still deliciously creamy.

What’s the best way to cut the cabbage for this recipe?

Cut the cabbage into large wedges with the core intact; this helps the cabbage hold its shape during searing and cooking while providing satisfying texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers impressive flavor and texture that will make you want to add it to your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re a longtime cabbage fan or discovering its charms for the first time, this recipe invites you to savor every creamy, garlicky, cheesy bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite at your table!

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage recipe features tender cabbage wedges seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of Cajun spice. It’s an easy, flavorful side dish that elevates simple cabbage into a comforting, elegant treat.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Searing and simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs, cored and cut into 56 wedges)
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Cabbage: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the cabbage wedges flat side down and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Use tongs to carefully flip the wedges. Remove the browned cabbage from the skillet to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Lower the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and golden, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor. Let the cream simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
  5. Add Parmesan and Parsley: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Cabbage and Sauce: Return the cabbage wedges to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Partially cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage is fork-tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful side dish.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
  • Make sure to sear the cabbage pieces well; this adds a delicious caramelized flavor and texture contrast.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted chicken as a creamy vegetable side.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage, Parmesan cabbage, creamy cabbage recipe, garlic parmesan side dish, easy cabbage recipe

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