Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

4.4
(11)
9 Reviews

In this comforting vegetarian dinner, cabbage is sautéed in butter until it caramelizes, imparting a subtle sweetness to the dish. A light, creamy sauce coats both the cabbage and the pasta. If you want to stretch the sauce a little further, you can thin it out by adding in a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water.

By
Liv Dansky
Liv Dansky
Liv Dansky
Liv Dansky has worked with Dotdash Meredith since 2019 as a recipe tester and developer and, more recently, as a writer for the commerce team. Her work can be found across brands like Food & Wine, Southern Living, Real Simple, Eating Well, and Serious Eats.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on December 20, 2023
Tested by
Craig Ruff
Craig Ruff
Tested by Craig Ruff
Craig Ruff was first exposed to professional food service while working for an event center at the business school he was attending. There, he was responsible for maintaining the kitchen for caterers. He has been a lifelong cook, and followed his passion through culinary school and to working in restaurants.
Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegetarian High-Protein Egg-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
the ingredients to make the Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 1/2 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)

  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish

  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water; drain the spaghetti and set aside.

    step 1 in making the Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

    Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

  2. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage, garlic and salt; cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes.

    step 2 in making the Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

    Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, thyme and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in vinegar; cook, stirring often, until the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds.

    step 3 in making the Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

    Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

  4. Stir in the spaghetti, the reserved 1/2 cup cooking water, 1/4 cup Parmesan and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the spaghetti, about 1 minute.

    step 4 in making the Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

    Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

  5. Divide among 4 bowls. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.

a recipe photo of the Creamy Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

EatingWell.com, December 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

505 Calories
19g Fat
69g Carbs
16g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 1 cup
Calories 505
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 69g 25%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 16g 33%
Total Fat 19g 25%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Vitamin A 173µg
Vitamin C 45mg 50%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 5%
Folate 211µg
Vitamin K 93µg
Sodium 395mg 17%
Calcium 199mg 15%
Iron 4mg 20%
Magnesium 75mg 18%
Potassium 446mg 9%
Zinc 2mg 20%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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