Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe
A rich and flavorful side dish featuring tender cabbage wedges seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with a hint of Cajun spice. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage recipe is both comforting and elegant, perfect for adding a delicious twist to your vegetable repertoire.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Cabbage and Cooking Fats
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs, cored and cut into 5–6 wedges)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 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 sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Use tongs carefully to flip each wedge. Once browned, remove the cabbage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, to develop the flavors.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Parmesan and parsley: Stir freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley into the sauce. Continue simmering for an additional minute until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer cabbage in sauce: Return the seared cabbage wedges to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Partially cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to become fork-tender and absorb the creamy flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley over the cabbage for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious creamy side dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make the dish lower in fat, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Using fresh Parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese ensures a creamier texture and better flavor.
- If you prefer softer cabbage, cook an additional 2-3 minutes during the simmer step until desired tenderness is reached.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian main when paired with crusty bread or rice.
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan cabbage, cabbage side dish, creamy vegetable recipes, Cajun seasoning cabbage, easy stovetop cabbage, Parmesan cabbage wedges