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Cabbage Carbonara Recipe

4.6 from 122 reviews

Cabbage Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, substituting noodles with roasted cabbage strips. This creamy, comforting recipe combines crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, making it a satisfying low-carb meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • ½ medium head of cabbage (about 5 to 6 cups sliced)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Protein & Dairy

  • 45 slices bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Other

  • Olive oil, for roasting
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cabbage.
  2. Prepare the Cabbage: Slice the cabbage into long, thin strips resembling wide noodles to mimic the texture of pasta. You should end up with about 5 to 6 cups of sliced cabbage.
  3. Roast the Cabbage: Spread the cabbage on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly and arrange in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cabbage softens and edges turn lightly brown.
  4. Cook the Bacon: While the cabbage roasts, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to crisp and releases its fat.
  5. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pan with bacon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Combine Cabbage and Sauce: Add the roasted cabbage to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy bacon sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Serve: Serve the cabbage carbonara hot as a comforting low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice cabbage evenly for better roasting results.
  • Adjust the roasting time based on how tender or crisp you prefer your cabbage.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or a lower-fat cream.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor; freshly grated is best for melting into the sauce.
  • This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, suitable for those avoiding pasta.

Keywords: Cabbage Carbonara, low carb carbonara, roasted cabbage recipe, creamy cabbage dish, bacon carbonara, gluten free pasta alternative