Creamy Garlic Alfredo with Tender Cabbage Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Alfredo with Tender Cabbage Perfection offers a delicious twist on traditional Alfredo by incorporating tender, lightly caramelized cabbage. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a 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
- 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.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to coat the cabbage evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the skillet and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7: Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Step 8: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips & Variations
- Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp to make this dish more filling.
- Freshly grated Parmesan works best for melting smoothly into the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, 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 cheese?
Parmesan is ideal for its melting quality and flavor, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar taste profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients.
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Creamy Garlic Alfredo with Tender Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy garlic Alfredo with tender cabbage combines the rich, velvety flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with the delicate sweetness of sautéed cabbage. An easy skillet dish that delivers a comforting, low-carb side or light main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Add cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to coat the cabbage evenly with the cream.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cabbage and cream mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season the dish: Add ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and adjust the seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
- Simmer gently: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a comforting side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
Notes
- Use either olive oil or butter based on preference; butter will yield a richer flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less thick.
- The nutmeg adds subtle warmth, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This dish pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: creamy garlic alfredo, cabbage recipe, vegetarian side dish, stovetop alfredo, easy vegetable recipe

