If you’re craving a comforting vegetable dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe is just what you need. Tender cabbage wedges get a beautiful golden sear before swimming in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce loaded with freshly grated Parmesan and a hint of Cajun spice. It’s a delicious way to transform humble cabbage into a show-stopping side or even a main attraction that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This recipe brings together simple ingredients with big flavors in an easy, hearty dish that shines any day of the week.

The dish shows one wedge of cabbage with multiple green and pale yellow layers, placed on a white plate with scalloped edges. The cabbage wedge is covered with a thick creamy sauce that has a light beige color with small green herb pieces and some darker reddish-brown spices. Some parts of the cabbage edges are browned and slightly charred. Fresh chopped green parsley is sprinkled on top and around the cabbage for garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with garlic bulbs and parsley leaves partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe is all about fresh, straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From butter’s rich silkiness to the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan, every component works perfectly to create creamy, garlicky goodness with just the right amount of spice and freshness.

Green cabbage: The star of the dish, providing a perfect texture when seared and softened in the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden sear on the cabbage.
Olive oil: Balances the butter, keeping the sauté light yet flavorful.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and a tender bite.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the cream sauce with fragrant, zesty depth.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious base of the sauce that makes it irresistibly creamy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Cajun seasoning: Offers a subtle kick of smoky spice that elevates the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to enhance and balance flavors.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for brightness and garnish, adding a pop of fresh green color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Cabbage Wedges

Begin by heating butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Lay the cabbage wedges flat side down and let them sear, untouched, for 3 to 4 minutes until each side turns a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in flavor and texture, giving the cabbage a delicious caramelized edge that’s pure magic. Use tongs to carefully flip each wedge, then remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped yellow onions to the same skillet. Cook them gently until they soften and become golden, about 5 minutes. These onions provide a sweet, mellow base that pairs wonderfully with the sharpness of the garlic and Parmesan to come.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. This brief sizzle releases all those inviting garlic notes and allows the Cajun spices to infuse the dish lightly without overpowering the cabbage’s natural flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream while scraping up any flavorful browned bits clinging to the skillet’s bottom. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, thickening slightly to become the rich sauce that will cradle your cabbage.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Parsley

Now, fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Let the sauce simmer just a minute more until it’s velvety smooth and perfectly blended. At this stage, you’ll want to taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as you prefer.

Step 6: Combine and Cook Until Tender

Return the seared cabbage wedges to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Partially cover the pan and allow them to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage is fork-tender and soaking up all those amazing flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve this comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe warm, and prepare to enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe

A close-up view of several thick wedge layers of roasted cabbage, each layer showing a mix of light yellow and green with browned, slightly crispy edges. The wedges are coated in a creamy, light brown sauce speckled with green herbs and bits of seasoning, giving the dish a rich texture. Small, fresh green parsley pieces are sprinkled across the cabbage wedges, adding a fresh contrast. A wooden spatula lifts one wedge, emphasizing the creamy sauce that clings to the layers. The entire dish is set against a white marbled background inside a shiny metal pan, conveying warmth and home-cooked appeal. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish, adding a vibrant green contrast to the creamy sauce. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crispy fried shallots also pair beautifully and bring an unexpected texture twist.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile, complementing a variety of mains. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared fish to create a full meal. It’s also fabulous with a crusty piece of bread to mop up the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, slice the cabbage into thinner wedges or ribbons and nestle them on a platter topped with extra Parmesan shavings and herbs. Alternatively, toss the creamy cabbage with cooked pasta for a quick, veggie-packed pasta dish everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it an even tastier next-day treat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, keep in mind that cabbage’s texture may soften a bit upon thawing. To freeze, place fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating can help refresh the texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

Definitely! While green cabbage is traditional and holds up well during cooking, Napa or Savoy cabbage can also be used for a slightly milder flavor and softer texture. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian Parmesan cheese. Just double-check the ingredients if that’s a concern.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor profile will change but remain delicious.

What can I do if I do not have Cajun seasoning?

You can create a simple spice blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. This mix will mimic the Cajun seasoning’s smoky and spicy notes wonderfully.

How do I know when the cabbage is done cooking?

The cabbage is ready when it’s fork-tender but still holds its shape and texture. It should be soft enough to enjoy easily yet maintain a slight bite, providing a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe is a shining example of how a few everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday feasts alike. I hope you give this recipe a try — it might just become one of your favorite ways to enjoy cabbage!