If you’ve never had cabbage like this before, you’re in for a total flavor surprise. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage is pan-seared until golden, then drenched in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning and lots of freshly grated Parmesan. It’s buttery, tender, and wildly delicious—the kind of recipe that turns a humble cabbage into the star of your dinner plate.
Honestly, I didn’t expect my family to go wild over a cabbage side dish, but my husband kept asking if there was more sauce he could mop up with bread. Even my daughter took a few bites (which, if you know her picky palate, is basically a miracle). It’s cozy, low-carb comfort food at its best—and the leftovers are just as dreamy the next day.
What Is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage?
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage is a skillet-cooked side dish made by pan-searing wedges of green cabbage until golden, then finishing them in a savory garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. The texture is fork-tender and melt-in-your-mouth, and the flavor is bold, rich, and garlicky with just a hint of heat from Cajun seasoning.
It’s the ultimate transformation of a simple vegetable into something craveable and comforting—without any baking or roasting required.
When to Serve It
This skillet cabbage recipe fits beautifully into just about any meal. Serve it as:
- A holiday side dish for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas
- A low-carb comfort food to pair with grilled meat or chicken
- A cozy vegetarian dinner with crusty bread or rice
- A weeknight side that’s fast, flavorful, and totally unexpected
It’s also great for date night in—rich, impressive, but deceptively easy.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cabbage
- Just one pan! Easy cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Rich and comforting with a garlicky, creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly while still being super satisfying.
- Budget-friendly—you only need a few simple ingredients.
- Quick cooking – 30 minutes start to finish.
- Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for any weeknight.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine:
- Green Cabbage – Choose a firm head about 2 pounds; wedges hold shape better than chopped cabbage.
- Butter & Olive Oil – Used together to sear the cabbage and create richness without burning.
- Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – The star! Use fresh cloves for the best punch.
- Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated adds umami and thickens the sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning – Adds a mild kick and flavor complexity.
- Parsley – For color and fresh contrast.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste, balancing everything.
Variations & Add-Ins
Make it your own with these twists:
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning.
- Add protein: Stir in crumbled bacon, grilled chicken, or chopped sausage.
- Go cheesy: Use a Parmesan blend or melt in some Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the butter.
- Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, and skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
Troubleshooting Tips
A few tips to help you nail this creamy cabbage with Parmesan every time:
- Cabbage not browning? Make sure the pan is hot before adding the wedges, and don’t move them while they sear.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of broth or more cream to loosen.
- Sauce too thin? Simmer it for an extra minute or two to reduce.
- Too salty? Use unsalted butter and season to taste at the end—Parmesan adds saltiness.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently rewarm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended—cabbage gets mushy and the sauce may separate.
- Serve with: Grilled steak, roasted chicken, or alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
- Make-ahead: You can sear the cabbage and prep the sauce ingredients in advance, then finish cooking just before serving.
- Freezing: Skip it. The cream sauce doesn’t hold up well to freezing and reheating, and the cabbage texture changes.
Serving Ideas I love
- Creamy Cabbage Bowls – Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta and top with a fried egg.
- Cheesy Cabbage Bake – Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
- Savory Cabbage Toast – Pile warm cabbage and sauce over toasted sourdough or garlic bread.
Lightened-Up Version Breakdown
Looking to make it a little lighter?
- Use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Reduce butter by half and use more olive oil.
- Skip or reduce the Parmesan.
- Use low-fat milk and cornstarch to create a lighter sauce base.
You’ll still get a creamy texture without all the richness!
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Sear cabbage wedges in batches if needed for proper browning.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan: It won’t melt smoothly—grate fresh!
- Skipping the browning step: Searing the cabbage develops caramelization and flavor—don’t rush it.
- Overcooking: The cabbage should be tender, not mushy. Keep it fork-soft with a bit of bite.
Meal Prep & Leftover Ideas
- Use leftover cabbage and sauce over rice or pasta.
- Reheat and serve with a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Turn it into a low-carb “gratin” by topping with cheese and baking until golden.
This is one of those sides that easily becomes the main attraction the next day!
Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough cost estimate for the full dish (based on average grocery prices):
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 head green cabbage | $2.00 |
| Butter & Olive Oil | $0.60 |
| 1 small onion | $0.50 |
| Garlic (4 cloves) | $0.40 |
| Heavy cream (½ cup) | $0.80 |
| Parmesan (½ cup fresh grated) | $1.25 |
| Cajun seasoning | $0.25 |
| Parsley | $0.50 |
Estimated Total: $6.30
Cost Per Serving (Serves 4–6): ~$1.05 to $1.58
A gourmet-level side dish on a serious budget.
FAQ Section
Can I use red cabbage instead?
You can, but green cabbage is sweeter and softens better in the cream sauce. Red cabbage may stay firmer and slightly bitter when cooked this way.
Is this low carb or keto-friendly?
Yes! This creamy garlic Parmesan cabbage is naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles. Just be mindful of your Cajun seasoning if it contains added sugar.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter, coconut cream or oat milk (thickened with a little cornstarch), and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
You can use Creole seasoning, blackening spice, or even a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne. Or omit it for a more classic garlic cream flavor.
Do I have to cut the cabbage into wedges?
No, you can chop it into thick strips or large pieces—but wedges give it a beautiful presentation and better browning during searing.
Can I serve this for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! This elegant skillet cabbage recipe fits right into a holiday menu—especially when you want something comforting, beautiful, and unexpected.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge is best. Pre-shredded or powdered versions don’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
Low-Carb Comfort That Doesn’t Compromise on Flavor
If you’re following a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle, you know the struggle—so many veggie-based sides fall flat or feel like bland substitutes for the “real thing.” But this creamy garlic Parmesan cabbage? It’s the real deal.
With buttery seared cabbage, a rich cream sauce infused with garlic, and bold Cajun seasoning, this dish is anything but boring. Every bite is layered with sweet, tender cabbage and savory depth from the sauce. The Parmesan adds umami, the garlic brings punch, and the cream ties it all together into silky perfection.
It’s naturally low in carbs and fits beautifully into keto meal plans, yet it tastes indulgent and satisfying enough for everyone at the table—no substitutions required. Even if you’re not watching your carbs, you’ll love how hearty and flavorful it is. This is one low-carb side that won’t leave anyone missing the potatoes.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage
This rich and flavorful cabbage side dish pairs perfectly with a wide range of hearty mains. Whether you’re serving up something grilled, roasted, or slow cooked, this creamy garlic Parmesan cabbage adds the perfect balance of comfort and flavor to the plate.
Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve it with:
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks: The bold, peppery flavors of this ultra-tender ribeye are balanced beautifully by the creamy cabbage.
- Crockpot Steak Bites: These juicy, bite-sized beef chunks are a dream with the buttery richness of the cabbage.
- Garlic Butter Steak: A garlicky main like this one deserves a garlicky, creamy side to go with it.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Double up on the Parmesan flavor—this crispy chicken pairs effortlessly with the silky cabbage.
- Smoked Whole Chicken: The smokiness of the chicken and the savory richness of the cabbage make a cozy, well-rounded meal.
You can also serve this cabbage with pork chops, grilled sausage, or even as a meatless main with crusty bread. It’s one of those sides that works year-round—just as good with a holiday roast as it is with weeknight steak.
Why Even Cabbage Skeptics Love This Dish
Let’s be honest—cabbage gets a bad rap. It’s often tossed aside as boring, bland, or too “old-school,” but this recipe flips that reputation right on its head. I’ve served this creamy garlic Parmesan cabbage to people who swore they didn’t like cabbage… and they cleaned their plates.
The secret? Bold flavor, rich cream, and crispy golden edges. This isn’t boiled cabbage from your childhood—it’s seared, caramelized, and absolutely loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness. My husband practically hovered by the skillet the last time I made it, and even my daughter peeked over and gave it a curious sniff (which, for her, is a big deal).
If you think you don’t like cabbage, this is your redemption recipe. One bite and you’ll be rethinking everything you thought you knew about this humble veggie.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage recipe might just make it your new favorite vegetable. It’s one of those surprisingly elegant dishes that feels fancy but is totally weeknight-friendly. My family devours it every time—it’s hearty, comforting, and just rich enough to feel indulgent.
Whether you’re low-carb, just love a good skillet side, or looking for something unique to serve at your next gathering, this cabbage delivers big time.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage about 2 lbs, cored and cut into 5-6 wedges
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cabbage wedges, flat side down, and sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Use tongs to flip. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan and chopped parsley. Let the sauce simmer for another minute until smooth.
- Return cabbage wedges to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cover partially and cook for another 5 minutes, until cabbage is fork-tender.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
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