Description
This Cabbage Carbonara is a creative, low-carb twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, substituting wide strips of roasted cabbage for noodles. Roasted until tender and lightly browned, the cabbage is combined with a rich creamy sauce of bacon, onion, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- ½ medium head of cabbage
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Meat
- 4–5 slices bacon, chopped
Dairy
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Other
- Olive oil, for roasting
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cabbage.
- Slice Cabbage: Cut the half head of cabbage into long, thin strips resembling wide noodles, yielding about 5 to 6 cups of sliced cabbage.
- Prepare Cabbage for Roasting: Spread the cabbage strips on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to evenly coat. Spread them out in a single layer.
- Roast the Cabbage: Roast the cabbage in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until it begins to soften and edges turn lightly browned.
- Cook Bacon: While cabbage roasts, heat a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bacon crisps and releases its fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pan with bacon and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour the heavy cream into the pan, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir the mixture and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Toss in Roasted Cabbage: Add the roasted cabbage to the pan and toss everything together until the cabbage is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy cabbage carbonara hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife for slicing cabbage thinly to ensure even roasting and better texture.
- If desired, substitute pancetta for bacon for a more authentic Italian flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty profile—grate fresh for best results.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- Adjust black pepper and salt to taste, as bacon and Parmesan already provide saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: Cabbage Carbonara, low carb carbonara, roasted cabbage recipe, creamy cabbage dish, bacon and cabbage, Italian-inspired vegetable recipe
