Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Pasta

Cabbage Pasta

Sep 21, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 8 Comments

186 shares
  • 66
Diet: Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe
Cabbage pasta with a text title overlay.
Cabbage pasta with a text title overlay.

Cabbage pasta is a 15 minute pasta dish that is seriously budget friendly. Just a few simple ingredients and you have yourself a really comforting bowl of pasta that is easy to adapt too. The perfect week night meal.

A bowl of pasta shapes and cabbage in a creamy sauce.

This cabbage pasta recipe was a staple in my student days. It was filling, comforting, super cheap to make and it was probably the most vegetables I would eat in a week! If you have a lot of mouths to feed on a budget, this pasta with cabbage needs to be on your meal plan.

If you are looking for more cabbage recipes, then why not try our quick Creamed Cabbage, tasty Cabbage with Cumin, easy Sautéed Cabbage, our simple Slow Cooker Red Cabbage or, for something different, our Cavolo Nero Pasta?

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make Cabbage Pasta - Step by Step
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Vegetable Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe each with a text overlay label.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Pasta - Any pasta works here, which is why it makes it even more budget friendly. No need to buy a special pasta, just use what you have. Pasta shapes or spaghetti are fine.
  • Cabbage - We used savoy cabbage for this, and it's one of our favourite green cabbage recipes. You could use a sweetheart cabbage or red cabbage for a different colour.
  • Onion - You can swap it for shallots which will give a sweeter flavour.
  • Garlic - Make sure it is finely crushed so it is evenly distributed in the pasta.
  • Lemon - Juice and zest adds a lovely fresh flavour to this.
  • Oil - Good quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Creme fraiche - Use reduced fat to make this lighter. You could use cream cheese if you prefer, but it would need loosening up with some milk.
  • Parmesan - Grate this yourself rather than using pre-grated, as it won't melt very well.

Variations

One of our favourite ways to change this recipe up is by adding bacon. Bacon makes everything better, right? A little bit goes a long way, as it has such a strong flavour, so it's also good for keeping it on a budget.

The creme fraiche is the sauce here, however if you wanted a tomato based sauce, then why not try our Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe?

For a bit of crunch when serving this cabbage pasta, make up a mixture of breadcrumbs, lemon zest, olive oil and fresh herbs and sprinkle it on top. It really gives something extra to the recipe.

How to Make Cabbage Pasta - Step by Step

A pan with pasta shapes in it.
  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, around 12 minutes.
Chopped onions cooking in a pan.
  1. Step 2: Heat the oil and add the onion. Cook over a low heat for 4 minutes.
Cabbage and garlic added to the pan.
  1. Step 3: Add the garlic and cabbage. Continue to cook for 4 minutes.
Creme fraiche, parmesan, salt and pepper added to the pan.
  1. Step 4: Add the creme fraiche, lemon juice and zest, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Cooked pasta added to the pan.
  1. Step 5: Drain the pasta, reserving 50ml/0.25cups of pasta water. Add the pasta and pasta water to the pan. Mix it all together.
A bowl of cabbage pasta with a fork in it.
  1. Step 6: Serve topped with more pepper and Parmesan shavings.

Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty and filling meal on its own, however if you wanted some sides or even some added protein then we have some great suggestions for you.

Why not try serving some Air Fryer Salmon or Air Fryer Steak with this cabbage pasta recipe?

If you want to make this more filling, then some bread on the side is a good option. Garlic bread and pasta is the perfect match and either our Air Fryer Garlic Bread or Cheesy Garlic Bread go really well with this.

Pasta twirls and cabbage in a creamy sauce.

Extra Tips

  • Depending on how you like your cabbage cooked, this may take a little longer to cook. We still like a little bit of bite to it, but if you want it really soft, then cook it for a bit longer.
  • A splash of white wine added before the creme fraiche adds a lovely richness to this.
  • Add a little bit of Dijon or wholegrain mustard for a flavour boost.
  • If you like spicy food, then add a sprinkle of red chilli flakes before serving.
A bowl of creamy cabbage pasta with a fork in front of a blue towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add extra vegetables to this?

Yes, whilst cabbage is the star of the dish, there are lots of other vegetables you can add. Why not try adding some leeks at the same time as the cabbage or stirring in some spinach just before serving?

Do I have to reserve the pasta water?

Because it's an easy way to make the sauce really silky smooth, with no extra effort.

How to store leftovers.

If you have any leftovers, then they can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in a pan with a little oil. We don't recommend freezing this.

More Vegetable Pasta Recipes

  • A large bowl of Greek spaghetti with a pair of tongs in it.
    Greek Spaghetti with Tomato and Feta
  • A white plate with mushroom bolognese and spaghetti.
    Mushroom Bolognese
  • Creamy Leek Pasta in a pink bowl topped with chopped herbs.
    Creamy Leek Pasta
  • A bowl of Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta next to a checked towel.
    Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta

If you’ve tried this cabbage pasta recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A bowl of cabbage pasta with a fork in it.

Cabbage Pasta

By: Dannii Martin
Cabbage pasta, made with simple ingredients in 15 minutes and budget-friendly too. A comforting week night meal and easy to adapt.
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 12 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: British, Italian
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 507kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten

Ingredients

  • 140 g (5 oz) Pasta shapes
  • 1 Onion - medium; diced
  • 2 Garlic cloves - crushed
  • 0.5 Lemon - juice and zest only
  • 1 teaspoon Olive oil
  • 170 g (2.5 cups) Savoy cabbage - shredded
  • 120 g (0.5 cups) Reduced fat creme fraiche
  • 40 g (0.33 cups) Parmesan - grated
  • 1 pinch Sea salt
  • 1 pinch Ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook 140 g Pasta shapes according to the packet instructions, around 12 minutes.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon Olive oil and add 1 Onion. Cook over a low heat for 4 minutes.
  • Add 2 Garlic cloves and 170 g Savoy cabbage. Continue to cook for 4 minutes.
  • Add 120 g Reduced fat creme fraiche, juice and zest of 0.5 Lemon, 40 g Parmesan, 1 pinch Sea salt and 1 pinch Ground black pepper. Mix well and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving 50ml/0.25cups of pasta water. Add the pasta and pasta water to the pan. Mix it all together.
  • Serve topped with more pepper and Parmesan shavings.

Recipe Tips

  • Depending on how you like your cabbage cooked, this may take a little longer to cook. We still like a little bit of bite to it, but if you want it really soft, then cook it for a bit longer.
  • A splash of white wine added before the creme fraiche adds a lovely richness to this.
  • Add a little bit of Dijon or wholegrain mustard for a flavour boost.
  • If you like spicy food, then add a sprinkle of red chilli flakes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1014IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 307mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A large serving dish full of Summer pasta salad.
    Easy Summer Pasta Salad
  • A large cooking pot full of creamy beef pasta.
    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
  • A plate of high protein mac and cheese.
    Protein Mac and Cheese
  • High Protein Tuna Pasta Salad

Comments

  1. Beth says

    September 29, 2023 at 4:27 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, this looks so good! I've never had cabbage pasta before. This looks amazing!

    Reply
  2. Chelsea says

    September 29, 2023 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe came at a perfect time as I had a bunch of cabbage to use up...WOW! This was great—my first time combining cabbage with pasta but definitely won't be my last.

    Reply
  3. Kim says

    September 29, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    5 stars
    Just had this last night and it was delicious! Such a budget-friendly and easy-to-make healthy pasta

    Reply
  4. Toni says

    September 29, 2023 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    This is so perfect for weeknights! So easy to make but really tasty!

    Reply
  5. Tavo says

    September 29, 2023 at 1:13 pm

    5 stars
    Your Cabbage Pasta is a delightful surprise! I was skeptical about the combo at first, but you nailed it. The flavors melded together beautifully, and it was a hit at my dinner table.

    Reply
  6. Kate says

    September 29, 2023 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    Such a tasty, budget-friendly pasta dish. And so quick, too.

    Reply
  7. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    September 29, 2023 at 11:34 am

    5 stars
    My son is mad for cabbage so I'll be trying this tonight. Looks so creamy and easy to make too.

    Reply
    • Holley says

      September 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      I loved the cabbage in this recipe! My kids and I really enjoyed this for dinner. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
5 from 12 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 66

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.