This quick and easy cabbage pasta recipe uses a simple tomato sauce and everyday vegetables for a comforting main dish. A budget-friendly, healthy Italian pasta with cabbage that your family will love! Just like this hearty Romanian cabbage stew.
If you're looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this easy cabbage pasta recipe is the answer. This is my simple take on a traditional Italian pasta with cabbage dish, delivering maximum comfort with minimal effort.
This recipe is simple, nutritious, and easily adaptable. Whether you're vegan, keto, or following a low-carb diet, you can tweak it to fit your needs. If you enjoy this dish, you might also like a cabbage frittata or a noodle stir-fry with cabbage.
When cabbage is in season, I love incorporating it into all sorts of dishes. From soups and stews to keto-friendly frittatas and stir-fries, it's a go-to vegetable. This cabbage pasta recipe is a hearty option that's easily customizable. I often shred and freeze cabbage so it's always on hand for quick and easy meals.
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💗 Why This Recipe Works
Try this cabbage pasta recipe for a hearty meal that's easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals, this dish combines tender cabbage with pasta for a tasty, wholesome option.
🥘 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Best Cabbage Type: While I prefer green or white cabbage for this dish, you can easily use other varieties. If you're looking for a slightly more delicate texture, try making this a Savoy cabbage pasta recipe. Savoy cabbage leaves are crinkly and tender, requiring slightly less cook time than the denser green cabbage.
- Onion: Shallots or leeks are great substitutes for onion in my recipes.
- Tomato Sauce: When I don't have tomato sauce, I use crushed tomatoes or diluted tomato paste.
- Olive Oil: I swap olive oil with vegetable oil or butter when needed.
- Pasta: I use any type of pasta I have on hand, like penne, fusilli, or gluten-free options.
- Dill or Parsley: For garnish, I might choose fresh basil, thyme, or chives instead.
📋 Variations
- Add Protein: Boost the cabbage pasta with cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu. Chicken adds a lean texture, sausage provides a rich taste, and tofu offers a plant-based option. Cook them separately and mix them in at the end.
- Spicy Kick: For some heat in your cabbage pasta, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Start with a little and adjust to your taste for the right level of spiciness.
- We love using any pasta we have, but if you're making this as a classic cabbage spaghetti recipe, be sure to use a long, thin noodle like spaghetti or linguine. The smooth strands coat perfectly with the rich tomato sauce, making this a true cabbage spaghetti comfort dish
👩🍳 How to Make Cabbage Pasta
Since you're here for cabbage recipes, I think you'll love my simple, cozy cabbage and potato stew-it's one of my favorites. I also share budget-friendly weeknight dinner recipes you can try!
Step 1: Heat a good amount of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage pasta is hot and mixed well.
Step 4: Mix the cooked pasta with the cabbage in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavours. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to keep it moist
Chop a small bunch of dill or parsley. Sprinkle over the cabbage pasta before serving. Enjoy your tasty and comforting dish!
💭 Expert Tips
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This helps adjust the sauce's consistency and ensures the pasta absorbs the flavours better.
- Cut Cabbage Evenly: Slice into uniform strips to ensure even cooking and achieve a soft texture throughout the dish.
- Cook Cabbage Thoroughly: Sauté until it's very tender. Cook it longer if needed to make sure it becomes soft and integrates well with the pasta.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth if needed.
I love creating quick, autumn-inspired meals that are both easy to make and full of flavour. Using simple seasonal ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and onions, I can whip up tasty fall dishes like cabbage and pasta or a one-pan smoked pork ribs dinner for my family. Sharing these homemade meals brings us together and creates lasting memories.
❓ Cabbage Pasta FAQs
Green cabbage or savoy cabbage works best due to their mild taste and crisp texture. Avoid red cabbage as it may change the color and flavor of the dish.
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
To make the dish vegan, ensure you use plant-based pasta. You can also add extra veggies or tofu for additional protein.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat. Adjust according to your taste preference.
You can use basil, thyme, or chives as alternatives for a different herbaceous touch.
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📖 Recipe
Few people cook cabbage like this! A cabbage and pasta recipe!
Equipment
- 1 large shallow pan
Ingredients
- ½ cabbage about 300-400g
- 1 onion large, about 150g
- 100 ml tomato sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 40 ml Olive oil
- 350 g pasta
- 20 g dill or a small bunch of parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips, or use a chopper or food processor to make it quicker. Finely chop the onion. Set aside the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, olive oil, and pasta.½ cabbage, 1 onion
- Heat a generous splash of olive oil (about 30-45 ml) in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.40 ml Olive oil
- Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.salt and pepper
- Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.100 ml tomato sauce
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente or to your preferred doneness. Reserve some of the pasta water in case you need to add it later.350 g pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the cabbage and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to maintain a moist consistency.
- Finely chop a small bunch of dill or parsley. Sprinkle over the pasta and cabbage just before serving. Enjoy your delicious and comforting cabbage and pasta dish!20 g dill
Video
Notes
- For the best results, use green cabbage for its mild flavor and crisp texture. Savoy makes a delicate substitute, but avoid red varieties as they can alter the dish's color and taste.
- Slice the cabbage thinly to ensure even cooking and a better blend with the pasta. For more texture, cut it into slightly larger pieces.
- Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
- Use good-quality olive oil for sautéing to enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
- You can add extra vegetables or protein like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
- This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Razvan says
I just tried this cabbage and pasta recipe and it turned out amazing! 🥬🍝 The cabbage adds such a unique flavor and makes it so hearty. Definitely a new favorite in my kitchen—thank you for sharing this idea!
EllyG says
As a vegetarian always looking for healthy recipes for myself and meat eating hubby. This was a surprise. I confess I added some sliced Italian style plant sausage with the onions and then some garlic and chilli flakes with the cabbage. Used a carton of passata for the sauce. We sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top instead of the dill. It was very tasty.
Claudia Ciorteanu says
My family loved this!
Juyali says
I never thought cabbage and pasta would be such a perfect pair! This recipe is a clever, healthy twist on classic comfort food – it was super satisfying and so easy to throw together. Thanks!
Jacqueline says
This is such a delicious way to seve cabbage. We have a similar recipe here in Italy. I love this dish as is or with the addition of pancetta or sausage!
Amy says
you're absolutely right! Would never have thought to combine pasta and cabbage but it was absolutely yum!
Nicole Kendrick says
This is the first time I've ever cooked cabbage like this, but it won't be the last! It's so good!
Swathi says
Cabbage pasta recipe is delicious . I am fan of cabbage this recipe is another addition to menu so that I can try it again.
Nicole says
This cabbage pasta was so delicious! It was very easy to prep and put together. The whole fam loved it!
Audrey says
I made this for my husband and I, and we loved it!
Emily says
This was so easy and delicious! I had no idea cabbage was so good with pasta!