30-Minute Creamy Garlic Alfredo with Tender Cabbage Recipe
A quick and delicious 30-minute recipe featuring tender sautéed cabbage in a rich and creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, perfect as a comforting side dish or a light main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes, to build the base flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until the aroma is released but not browned, enhancing the garlic flavor without bitterness.
- Sauté the cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the cabbage to become tender and lightly caramelized, which brings out natural sweetness and texture.
- Add cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to evenly coat the cabbage leaves, preparing for the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning carefully to balance the flavors, enhancing the sauce without overpowering it.
- Simmer: Let the mixture gently simmer for 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and fully meld with the cabbage.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, optionally garnish with chopped parsley for fresh color and flavor, and serve warm either as a comforting side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free from animal rennet.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Add cooked chicken or mushrooms for a more substantial meal.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil as an alternative garnish for variation.
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Alfredo, sautéed cabbage, Parmesan cheese sauce, quick side dish, 30-minute recipe, creamy vegetable dish, Italian-style cabbage
