Creamy Tuscan Cabbage: Quick Comfort Food
Looking for a delicious and easy side dish that’s ready in under 40 minutes? This creamy tuscan cabbage recipe transforms humble green cabbage into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Tender cabbage is simmered in a rich, Tuscan-inspired sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a side or a light vegetarian main course, making it a welcome addition to any meal plan.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Tuscan Cabbage
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
- Flavorful: The Tuscan-inspired sauce is bursting with savory flavors.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a side or light meal, and easily customize with protein additions.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, comforting, and satisfying.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free diets.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Protein: Add cooked turkey sausage or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
For another great cabbage recipe, check out this keto cajun sausage cabbage alfredo.
How to make Creamy Tuscan Cabbage
Follow these simple steps for perfect creamy tuscan cabbage every time:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add spinach and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your creamy tuscan cabbage recipe turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it tender, but still with a little bit of bite.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese: The flavor will make a big difference.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Brown the cabbage: For added flavor, try browning the cabbage slightly before adding the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, baked fish, or grilled steak.
- Add cooked turkey sausage or chickpeas for a heartier vegetarian meal.
- Serve over pasta for a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover creamy tuscan cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just be sure to check the expiration date and rinse it before using.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
For another recipe with a creamy spinach sauce, try this creamy spinach spaghetti.
Q: Can I use different types of greens?
A: While spinach is recommended, you can experiment with kale or other hearty greens. Adjust cooking time as needed.
This creamy tuscan cabbage recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavors, and versatility make it a perfect option for weeknight meals or elegant dinner parties. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tuscany!
Creamy Tuscan Cabbage: Quick Comfort Food
Transform humble cabbage into a show-stopping side dish (or light meal!) with this incredibly easy recipe. Tender, melting cabbage is simmered in a luscious, creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and parmesan cheese. This dish is ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a flavorful and satisfying way to get your veggies! Enjoy it as a side dish with roasted chicken or fish, or add some cooked turkey sausage or chickpeas for a heartier vegetarian meal. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the slightly sweet cabbage, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This Tuscan cabbage recipe is gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free with a few simple substitutions. This is truly comfort food at its finest!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add spinach and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also add cooked turkey sausage or chickpeas for extra protein. For added flavor, try browning the cabbage slightly before adding the other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg