Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta

This Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta is the perfect blend of rich, cheesy Alfredo flavor and tender, caramelized cabbage for a unique twist on classic pasta. The cabbage adds subtle sweetness and extra veggies, while the creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta in indulgent goodness.

Quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s a family friendly recipe that tastes decadent but is surprisingly easy and light.

Keto Cabbage Alfredo Recipe

What Is Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta?

Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta is a simple one pot meal where pasta is cooked and tossed in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, then combined with tender, sautéed cabbage. The cabbage softens as it cooks, adding mild sweetness and texture that pairs beautifully with the garlic and Parmesan flavors.

Key features of this dish:

• Creamy, cheesy sauce coats each pasta strand
• Cabbage adds flavor, texture, and a veggie boost
• Quick one pot method minimizes cleanup
• Perfect for weeknights, lunchboxes, or casual dinners

Compared to traditional fettuccine Alfredo, this version is lighter, vegetable forward, and easier to prepare without compromising flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and comforting with a subtle veggie twist
• One pot recipe with minimal cleanup
• Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes
• Family friendly and kid approved
• Flexible for adding proteins or extra veggies

If you love easy dinners like One Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa or One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

How This Recipe Works

• Sautéed cabbage adds natural sweetness and soft texture that complements the creamy sauce
• One pot method allows pasta to absorb some of the sauce, making every bite flavorful
• Alfredo sauce made with cream, butter, and Parmesan provides richness without heaviness
• Freshly cracked black pepper and garlic elevate the flavor and balance the creaminess

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Pasta: Any small or medium pasta works. Gluten-free pasta can be used.
• Cabbage: Green or Savoy cabbage is ideal. You can also mix in Napa cabbage for softer texture.
• Cream: Half-and-half or milk with a tablespoon of flour works for a lighter sauce.
• Cheese: Parmesan provides classic flavor. Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper bite.

How to Make Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta

Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Cabbage

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add sliced cabbage and cook 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with the cabbage.
Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy cabbage sauce. Toss until pasta is fully coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Optional Add-Ins

• Add cooked chicken for protein
• Fold in sun-dried tomatoes for tang and color
• Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top before serving

Step 6: Serve

Plate the creamy cabbage pasta and top with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cabbage Pasta

• Slice cabbage thinly for faster cooking
• Don’t overcook pasta; al dente works best with creamy sauce
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting
• Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, or lemon juice for brightness

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy Chicken Cabbage Pasta: Add shredded cooked chicken and extra cheese
• Spicy Alfredo: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Make Ahead

• Cook cabbage and pasta separately, then combine just before serving.
• Alfredo sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Not recommended with cream sauce it may separate. Instead, freeze cooked cabbage and pasta separately, then reheat and combine.

Serving Idea

• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables
• Add a simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant style presentation

Nutritional Notes (Approximate)

• Calories: 400–450 per serving
• Protein: 12–15g
• Carbs: 45–50g
• Fat: 18–20g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking cabbage it should remain slightly tender
• Adding cheese too early can clump or burn
• Not reserving pasta water makes it harder to achieve creamy consistency
• Skipping seasoning cream and cabbage need salt and pepper to shine

FAQs About Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta

Can I use chicken or shrimp?
Yes! Add cooked chicken or shrimp during the final step for extra protein.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but whisk in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken.

How long can leftovers be stored?
Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can this be made vegan?
Use vegan butter, plant-based cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavorful one pot meal. Tender cabbage, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a family friendly dinner that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare. The combination of simplicity and flavor makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

If you love easy dinners like Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo or Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Save this Creamy Alfredo Cabbage Pasta recipe now so you have a quick, creamy, and comforting weeknight dinner ready anytime.