30-Minute Creamy Garlic Alfredo with Tender Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This 30-minute creamy garlic Alfredo with tender cabbage is a comforting and flavorful dish that elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Its rich sauce and caramelized cabbage make it a perfect side or light main course.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to coat the cabbage evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the skillet and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Step 6: Add ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
7. Step 7: Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or light main course.

Tips & Variations

• Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier main dish.
• Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• For a vegan option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• To enhance caramelization, cook the cabbage on medium-high heat before lowering it to simmer with cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, both green and Savoy cabbage work well, but avoid using very tough or large-leaf varieties as they take longer to soften.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe choice for gluten-sensitive diets.

30-Minute Creamy Garlic Alfredo with Tender Cabbage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews

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.

• Author: Felix
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Season: Add ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning carefully to balance the flavors, enhancing the sauce without overpowering it.
7. 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.
8. 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