As I lifted the lid on my cast iron skillet, a wave of creamy, savory aromas washed over me, instantly transporting me to a rustic Tuscan kitchen. Introducing Marry Me Melting Cabbage with Creamy Tuscan Sauce — a dish that elegantly transforms humble cabbage into a culinary masterpiece. Not only is this recipe a delightful one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights, but it also serves as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Imagine tender, caramelized cabbage wedges soaking up a rich, dreamy sauce that melds flavors seamlessly. Its comforting, vegetarian-friendly profile is bound to win hearts and leave you craving more! Ready to discover how this mouthwatering dish comes together? Let’s dive in!

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Why will you love this melting cabbage?

Simplicity at Its Best: This one-pan meal is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and basic cooking skills.

Creamy Divine Sauce: The luscious creamy Tuscan sauce enhances the cabbage, making each bite a delightful experience of flavor.

Vegetarian-Friendly: A perfect option for those seeking a comforting, plant-based meal without sacrificing taste.

Satisfying Comfort Food: This dish combines the warmth of home-cooked meals with the elegance of restaurant-quality cuisine, ideal for any setting.

Endless Pairing Options: Serve it alongside crusty bread or meats, or enjoy it as a satisfying stand-alone dish. If you’re keen on more delicious side ideas, check out our recipe for Garlic Butter Roasted veggies!

Hearty Leftovers: Not only does it taste amazing, but leftovers are even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Marry Me Melting Cabbage Ingredients

• Discover everything you need to recreate this creamy delight!

For the Cabbage

Green Cabbage – The star of the dish; cut into wedges for even cooking and caramelization.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps in searing the cabbage to perfection.

For the Sauce

Butter – Enhances flavor and contributes to a creamy texture in the sauce.
Red Onion – Offers sweetness and depth; substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
Garlic – A must for aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is best for robust taste.
Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Adds moisture; can swap with water in a pinch.
Cream Cheese – Creates that dreamy creamy texture; Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.
Heavy Cream – Contributes to richness; coconut milk works for a dairy-free option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – For a tangy bite; oven-roasted tomatoes can be used if preferred.
Dried Herbs (Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary) – Provides fragrant undertones; opt for fresh herbs for extra flair.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional for a dash of heat; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory richness; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
Fresh Parsley – For garnishing, adding a fresh touch to the final dish.

Enjoy preparing your Marry Me Melting Cabbage with Creamy Tuscan Sauce!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Marry Me Melting Cabbage

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to perfectly cook the Marry Me Melting Cabbage in its creamy sauce later on. Gather a cast iron skillet, as it will help retain heat and create beautiful caramelization on the cabbage wedges.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage
Carefully cut the green cabbage into 8 wedges, keeping the core intact. This will help the wedges maintain their shape during cooking. Rinse the wedges under cold water to remove any dirt, and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel, ensuring they’re ready to be seared to golden perfection.

Step 3: Sear the Cabbage
In your preheated skillet, pour in a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage wedges, searing them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. Remember to season with salt and pepper for flavor as they cook, enhancing the overall taste of the Marry Me Melting Cabbage.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the cabbage is perfectly seared, carefully remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes softened, about 3-4 minutes, followed by the garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Next, pour in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth to the sauce for your Marry Me Melting Cabbage. Allow the broth to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully as the liquid reduces slightly.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now, add the cream cheese to your skillet, whisking continuously until it melts and incorporates smoothly with the broth. After that, pour in the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes along with the dried herbs (oregano, thyme, and rosemary). Let this simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes rich and creamy.

Step 7: Incorporate the Parmesan
As the sauce reaches that divine creamy consistency, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully combined. Now, nestle the seared cabbage wedges back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce generously over each cabbage piece, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After this time, uncover the dish, baste the cabbage with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the edges are beautifully caramelized.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven and let your Marry Me Melting Cabbage rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to redistribute the flavors throughout the dish. Finish off by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired, adding a vibrant touch to your exquisite meal.

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Marry Me Melting Cabbage Variations

Feel free to customize your Marry Me Melting Cabbage to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Protein Addition: Incorporate browned Italian sausage, pancetta, or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal. The savory richness from the meat complements the creamy sauce beautifully, making it a comforting dish that will please everyone at the table.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese and heavy cream for silken tofu and coconut milk. This not only creates a deliciously creamy texture but also makes the dish plant-based, perfect for those who are sensitive to dairy.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and broth, and omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative. This ensures that you keep all the flavor while maintaining a completely vegan dish, so you can share the love with everyone.
Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in some spinach, kale, or bell peppers for a colorful vegetable medley. These additions not only enhance the nutritional profile but also bring additional textures and flavors that brighten up your meal.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to amp up the heat. If you’re a fan of spice, this variation introduces a delightful zing that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley blended into the sauce for a refreshing twist. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile and bring a brightness to the dish that really complements the richness of the sauce.
Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving to add crunch and nuttiness. This texture contrast will delight your palate and add depth to the overall experience.
Cheesy Spin: For an extra cheesy indulgence, layer on more Parmesan or try mozzarella for a gooey twist. This creates a melty, cheesy crust while enhancing the dish’s savory flavors.

Whichever variation you choose, your Marry Me Melting Cabbage will surely shine! And remember, for more comforting sides, consider pairing it with our delightful Garlic Butter Roasted veggies!

Expert Tips for Marry Me Melting Cabbage

Perfect Searing: Ensure you sear the cabbage well to develop a deep flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Broth Choice: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for the best flavor. If you’re vegetarian, always opt for vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Smooth Sauce: Whisk the cream cheese into the broth thoroughly to prevent lumps. A smooth sauce elevates your Marry Me Melting Cabbage to a restaurant-quality level.
Watch the Thickness: Keep an eye on the sauce while simmering; if it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes; their tangy sweetness adds an essential depth to the creamy sauce. Substitute with oven-roasted tomatoes if preferred.
Making Ahead: For an easy weeknight dinner, you can prepare the sauce and sear the cabbage ahead of time. Assemble and bake when ready to serve!

Make Ahead Options

These Marry Me Melting Cabbage wedges are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can sear the cabbage and prepare the creamy Tuscan sauce up to 24 hours in advance, which saves you valuable time on busy weeknights. Simply prepare the cabbage and sauce as per the recipe, then allow them to cool before transferring everything to an airtight container or covering the skillet in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the assembled dish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, until heated through. This method keeps the flavors rich and ensures your family enjoys a delicious meal that’s just as delightful as if it were freshly made!

Storage Tips for Marry Me Melting Cabbage

Fridge: Store leftover Marry Me Melting Cabbage in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, enhancing the dish’s creamy goodness.

Freezer: If you wish to freeze it, place the cooled cabbage with sauce in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, preventing it from drying out.

Airtight Storage: Ensure your storage container is airtight to maintain freshness and flavor, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish even days later.

What to Serve with Marry Me Melting Cabbage?

Transform your meal into a memorable gathering with delightful pairings that enhance the rich flavors of your dish.

Crusty Bread: This chewy, golden loaf is perfect for soaking up the creamy Tuscan sauce, adding texture to each bite. Freshly baked bread brings warmth and comfort, making it an irresistible companion on the table.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots: Sweet and earthy, these roasted carrots provide a lovely contrast to the melting cabbage and its sauce. The garlic and Parmesan add a savory richness that complements the overall dish beautifully.
Zesty Arugula Salad: A bright, peppery arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, refreshing the palate. Tossed with cherry tomatoes and feta, this salad offers a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.
Crispy Polenta Fries: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve crispy polenta fries alongside. Their crunchy exterior and soft interior balance the creamy cabbage, creating a satisfying duo on your plate.
Sautéed Green Beans: Tender green beans provide a fresh, vibrant touch, bringing a crisp texture that complements the dish nicely. A hint of garlic can add to the flavor, tying it all together beautifully.
Chilled White Wine: Serve a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing sip that accentuates the savory notes of the creamy sauce. The wine’s acidity will enhance the overall flavor experience.

Let these pairings elevate your Marry Me Melting Cabbage into an unforgettable meal that friends and family will adore!

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Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe FAQs

How do I know when my cabbage is ripe?
Absolutely! When selecting green cabbage, look for heads that are firm and heavy with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that have dark spots or are soft to the touch. Ideally, you’re aiming for a vibrant color and no wilting to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

How should I store leftover Marry Me Melting Cabbage?
To keep your Marry Me Melting Cabbage fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually gets more flavorful as it sits! Just be sure to reheat it gently to enjoy every creamy bite.

Can I freeze Marry Me Melting Cabbage?
Absolutely! If you want to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently in the oven to maintain its creamy texture.

What if my creamy sauce is too thick?
Very! If you find that your creamy sauce has thickened too much during cooking, it’s an easy fix. Simply add a splash of broth or water, stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency. Keeping an eye on it while simmering is key to achieving that perfect creamy texture!

Is this recipe suitable for my vegetarian diet?
Yes, indeed! Marry Me Melting Cabbage is a wonderful vegetarian-friendly dish, especially when using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for plant-based diets!

Can I share this with my pets?
While the cabbage itself is pet-friendly, be cautious with the creamy sauce. Ingredients like garlic and heavy cream may not sit well with your furry friends. It’s best to serve cabbage plain if you want to share a little bit of this delicious meal with them!