Picture this: the aroma of simmering garlic butter fills your kitchen, dancing with the sweet scent of caramelized cabbage. This Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta is having its moment on TikTok and Pinterest, and trust me, you’ll want to join the fun. It’s cozy, comforting, and as easy as it gets!
This simple dish combines tender pasta with jammy cabbage, luscious garlic butter, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Think of it like your grandma’s comforting recipes, but made in a flash. Pantry-friendly and full of personality, this meal will warm you right up. Full details in the blog!
Enjoy this Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta with its balance of sweetness and savory spice. Featuring Sweet Savory Cabbage Pasta Parm and Garlic Butter Caramelized Cabbage Noodles, it makes a satisfying one pot meal. This dish also works well with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 medium head cabbage (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds) preferably green
1 medium shallot
3 to 4 large cloves garlic
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for the pasta water
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more as needed
8 ounces dried rigatoni or penne or fusilli pasta
1 small bunch fresh chives
2 ounces Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
Remove the core from the cabbage and slice it thinly on the cutting board with the cut side down. Peel and slice the shallot thinly and mince the garlic until you have about 2 tablespoons.
Heat the butter in a heavy pot over medium heat, then cook the shallot until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Toss in the cabbage with salt and pepper and cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring sometimes, until the cabbage becomes tender and deep golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add a little water if the pan gets too browned or sticky.
In another pot, boil salted water, add the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
Slice the chives and grate the Parmesan until you have half a cup.
Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese to the cabbage, pouring in two thirds cup of pasta water. Stir over medium heat until a glossy sauce forms; add more pasta water one tablespoon at a time if necessary.
Fold in the chives, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Shredded cabbage can replace fresh cabbage if preferred
Prepare the cabbage up to a day ahead and reheat before combining with pasta
Herbs like dill or parsley are good substitutes for chives
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes to 50 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Imagine your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of garlic butter and caramelized cabbageperfect for winding down after a busy day. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time around 40 to 50 minutes, this meal is ideal for cozy weeknights.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now! Just a half head of cabbage, some butter, garlic, and your favorite pasta.
Deliciously Nostalgic: This recipe brings the flavors of your childhood into the modern kitchen with sweet, savory notes that gently tickle your taste buds.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s meet the star players in this cozy creation:
Cabbage: A half medium head, preferably green. It caramelizes beautifully, adding sweetness and texture.
Shallots & Garlic: A medium shallot and 3 to 4 large garlic cloves add layers of flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic for that aromatic punch!
Pasta: Dried rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are great choices, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Butter: Six tablespoons create that rich, creamy base, giving the dish a luxurious mouthfeel.
Chives & Parmesan: Fresh chives add a pop of color and flavor, plus Parmesan finishes the dish with a savory tang.
Tools Needed: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for caramelizing, a good knife for chopping, and a box grater for that beautiful cheese.
Simple Steps to Make It
Creating this warm bowl of goodness is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how:
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing your cabbage, shallot, and garlic. They’ll melt together beautifully when cooked!
Caramelize the Cabbage: In your heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter, add shallots and garlic, then toss in the cabbage with seasonings. Stir it all around, reducing the heat if it browns too quickly. Patience is keylet it cook for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: While the cabbage cooks, boil salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Be sure to save a cup of that starchy pasta water!
Combine: Once your cabbage is a glorious golden-brown, add the pasta and Parmesan, along with two-thirds of the reserved pasta water. Toss together until the sauce is glossy and smooth. Adjust with more pasta water if needed!
Cooking Time Overview
Item
Time
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
Cabbage
20-25 minutes
Cook Time
Pasta
8-10 minutes
Easy Customizations
This dish is highly flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these ideas:
Herb Swaps: Replace chives with fresh dill or parsley for a twist.
Cheese Changes: Swap Parmesan for a different hard cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free alternative.
Adding Protein: Toss in cooked beans or sautéed shrimp for extra nutrition and heartiness.
Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this! It’s comfort food at its finest, and you can customize it based on what’s in your fridge.
How to Serve & Store
A cozy meal deserves cozy serving! Plate your pasta while it’s warm, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few chives for an elegant touch.
Storage Tips: Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water or extra butter if it seems dry.
So there you have ita delightful, easy meal brimming with flavor and nostalgia. Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta. Enjoy each bite with a smile and perhaps a side of good conversation!
Expert Says
Caramelized cabbage adds a deep, sweet flavor to butter pasta, enhancing its taste profile. The slow cooking breaks down sugars in the cabbage, creating rich caramelization. This dish delights the palate while providing fiber and essential nutrients, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Perfecting of Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta
This caramelized cabbage butter pasta didn’t come together overnight; it took several messy attempts. Once, I forgot the butter entirely and ended up with a bland dish that my kids solemnly declared a “no-go.” Now, after sweetening those leafy greens just right, it’s a family favorite that always invites second helpings.
FAQs ( Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta )
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
This recipe pairs well with long, thin pasta like spaghetti or capellini. These shapes allow the sauce to cling beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
How do I choose the right cabbage for this recipe?
Opt for a firm, vibrant green head of cabbage without wilted leaves or brown spots. Green cabbage has a nice balance of sweetness and crunch, perfect for caramelizing. Savoy cabbage can also add a unique texture if you want to switch things up.
How can I make this meal vegan?
To make this meal vegan, use olive oil instead of butter and substitute nutritional yeast for cheese. This will keep the dish creamy and flavorful while adhering to a plant-based diet. Slight adjustments to the seasoning can enhance the experience.
Can I add protein to this stir-fry?
Yes, adding protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans is a great way to enhance this stir-fry. Simply toss it in towards the end of cooking to heat through without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cabbage.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of pasta water or broth to restore moisture while reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it! This Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta is an absolute delight, combining ease with the comforting aroma you crave after a long day. You’ll love how the sweet cabbage and rich butter transform your kitchen into a cozy haven. When you take that first bite, you’ll feel wrapped in a warm, nostalgic hug!
Feel free to experiment! Swap garlic for shallots or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. And if you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), simply pop them in the fridge for up to four days. A little splash of water while reheating keeps it creamya tip I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen!
I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Did you grow up with a dish like this or have your own favorite twist? Share your stories or photos in the comments. And remember, this recipe is perfect for sharingsave it for a rainy day or send it to a friend who needs a cozy meal! Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
