Print

Marry Me Melting Cabbage with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

4.4 from 101 reviews

Marry Me Melting Cabbage with Creamy Tuscan Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish showcasing tender cabbage wedges simmered and baked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect as a comforting side or vegetarian main meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cabbage and Seasoning

  • 1 head (900-1100 g) green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges with core intact
  • 1 tsp (6 g) table salt
  • ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Fats

  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) butter

Sauce Ingredients

  • ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 oz. (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried thyme leaves
  • ½ tsp (0.5 g) dried rosemary leaves
  • ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cabbage later.
  2. Cut Cabbage: Cut the cabbage head into 8 wedges, ensuring the core remains intact on each wedge to keep them together during cooking.
  3. Sear Cabbage: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch (30 cm) oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cabbage wedges for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. You may need to work in batches. Transfer the seared wedges to a plate and season them with salt and pepper.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Cook the diced red onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits left by the seared cabbage and sautéed aromatics.
  6. Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the skillet and whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Mix Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, additional salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken, then remove from heat.
  8. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and integrates smoothly into the sauce.
  9. Assemble in Skillet: Nestle the seared cabbage wedges back into the skillet, spooning the creamy Tuscan sauce generously over each wedge.
  10. Bake Covered: Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the cabbage to cook through and absorb the flavors.
  11. Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover, baste the cabbage with the sauce, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork.
  12. Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for added richness.

Notes

  • Keep the cabbage core intact while cutting wedges to help the cabbage hold its shape during cooking.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add a rich, tangy flavor; draining excess oil before julienning helps balance the sauce richness.
  • Use an oven-safe cast iron skillet for searing and baking to develop better flavor and consistency.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • For vegetarian guests, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Resting the dish before serving allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully.

Keywords: cabbage recipe, creamy tuscan sauce, baked cabbage, vegetarian side dish, savory vegetable bake