I’ll never forget the first time I made Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles. It was one of those rare occasions where I had a random assortment of ingredients in my fridge and pantry, and I decided to get a little creative. Little did I know that my impromptu culinary experiment would result in a dish that would become a staple in my weekly meal rotation.
I was craving something comforting and carb-y, but I also wanted to keep things on the lighter side. That’s when the idea of using shredded cabbage as a noodle substitute popped into my head. I knew I had some fresh garlic and a block of parmesan in the fridge, and the rest, as they say, is history.
From the very first bite, I was hooked. The tender cabbage noodles soaked up the rich, garlicky butter sauce, and the salty-savory parmesan and bright, herbaceous parsley added the perfect finishing touches. It was everything I wanted in a cozy, satisfying meal, but without the heaviness of traditional pasta. I immediately knew I had to share this recipe with all my friends and family.
Why This Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles
What makes this Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe so special is the way the simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. The key is all in the technique – shredding the cabbage into thin, noodle-like strips allows it to perfectly soak up the rich, garlicky butter sauce, while still maintaining a pleasant bite and crunch.
And let’s talk about that sauce for a moment. The combination of fragrant, sautéed garlic, nutty parmesan, and fresh parsley creates a flavor profile that’s truly out of this world. It’s indulgent and decadent, but still light and refreshing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your weekly rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded into noodle-like strips: Shredding the cabbage is the secret to getting that perfect noodle-like texture. Look for a medium-sized head of green cabbage, as it will yield just the right amount of “noodles” to serve 4 people.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The butter is the foundation of the sauce, providing a rich, creamy base that coats the cabbage noodles.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh, fragrant garlic is essential for adding that signature garlic flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the butter.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: The bright, herbaceous parsley provides a lovely contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a subtle kick of heat and depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe comes together in a flash. All you’ll need is a sharp knife, a large skillet or sauté pan, and a few simple ingredients.
1- Start by shredding the cabbage into thin, noodle-like strips. Run your knife through the cabbage, slicing it crosswise into thin ribbons. This will give you the perfect texture for your “noodles.”
2- In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden brown.
3- Add the shredded cabbage noodles to the pan and toss to coat them evenly in the garlic butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a pleasant bite.
4- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy coating on the cabbage noodles.
5- Season the Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles with the salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
6- Serve your Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy this delicious, low-carb comfort food any night of the week!
Pro Tips for Success
- Shred the cabbage into thin, even strips for the best texture. Thicker strips can result in a chewier, less noodle-like consistency.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the cabbage. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the cabbage cooks evenly and gets nicely browned.
- Be careful not to overcook the cabbage – you want it to be tender but still have a pleasant bite, not mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If the dish needs a little more zing, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles
This Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. For a simple weeknight meal, serve it alongside grilled or roasted chicken, pork chops, or salmon. It also makes a great accompaniment to meatballs, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty soup or stew.
If you’re looking to turn it into a more substantial main dish, you can top the Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles with sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or crumbled bacon. A side salad and a glass of crisp white wine or a light lager would complete the meal perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles are best enjoyed fresh, but they do keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To store, simply transfer the cooked noodles to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water to help loosen up the sauce if needed.
For even longer-term storage, you can freeze the Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles for up to 3 months. Let the noodles cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet as directed above.
If you want to get a head start on this recipe, you can shred the cabbage and prepare the other ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Store the shredded cabbage in a resealable bag or airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The rest of the ingredients can be measured and prepped ahead of time as well, making the actual cooking process a breeze.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles
Creative Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles Variations
While the classic Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a burst of color and extra nutrition, try using a mix of green and red cabbage. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta, instead of the parmesan.
In the warmer months, you could add some diced tomatoes or sliced zucchini to the mix for a more summery take. And for a heartier meal, you can toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled bacon.
Making Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles Diet-Friendly
One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe is that it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. To make it vegan, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, like olive oil or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of the regular parmesan.
For a paleo-friendly version, omit the parmesan cheese and use a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or crushed pine nuts instead. And if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt in the recipe or leave it out entirely, relying on the natural flavors of the other ingredients to carry the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage, like red or savoy, instead of green cabbage?
A: Absolutely! While green cabbage is the traditional choice, you can definitely experiment with other varieties. Red cabbage will add a beautiful pop of color, while savoy cabbage has a softer, more delicate texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cabbages may have slightly different cooking properties.
Q: How long do I need to cook the cabbage noodles?
A: The total cooking time for this recipe is 10 minutes. The key is to cook the cabbage until it’s tender but still has a pleasant bite, not mushy. Start checking the texture after about 5 minutes of cooking and adjust the heat as needed to achieve the perfect texture.
Q: Can I make Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe in advance. The cooked noodles will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water to help loosen up the sauce if needed.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe serves 4 people. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe as needed.
Q: What should I do if the cabbage noodles turn out too watery?
A: If your cabbage noodles end up releasing too much liquid, try cooking them for a bit longer over medium-high heat to evaporate some of the excess moisture. You can also try adding the cabbage in batches to the pan, rather than all at once, to prevent it from steaming and releasing too much water.
Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender cabbage noodles cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy side dish is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
Ingredients
– 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded into noodle-like strips
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Shred the cabbage into long, thin noodle-like strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
3. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve the Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a creamier texture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the parmesan cheese. You can also add diced cooked bacon or crumbled feta cheese as toppings.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Sides
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles are the ultimate low-carb comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With their tender, noodle-like texture and rich, decadent sauce, these cabbage “noodles” are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal without the heaviness of traditional pasta.
What I love most about this recipe is how quickly and easily it comes together – from start to finish, it takes just 20 minutes! And the best part is, it’s endlessly versatile. Serve it as a side dish, turn it into a main course, or even meal prep it for easy lunches throughout the week.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles recipe a try tonight, and get ready to be blown away by how delicious and satisfying a low-carb dish can be. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
