A Dish So Good, It Deserves a Proposal

I remember a sun-drenched afternoon in the Tuscan countryside, where simple ingredients were transformed into culinary magic. It was there I learned that even the humblest vegetable could become a showstopper. Years later, when the internet started buzzing about a dish called Marry Me Cabbage, I was intrigued. Could cabbage, often overlooked, truly be so decadent? After one bite of this version—tender, melting wedges bathed in a savory, sun-dried tomato cream sauce—I was transported back to Italy. I understood the name completely.

What if the most romantic, proposal-worthy dish you could make wasn’t a pricey steak or complicated pasta, but a simple head of cabbage? It sounds unbelievable, but this viral recipe is a sensation for a reason. With online searches for “creative cabbage recipes” up by over 200% in the last year, people are discovering that this versatile vegetable can be the star of the show. This recipe proves it, turning cabbage into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

Your Ingredients for a Swoon-Worthy Dish

The magic of this recipe lies in its rich, layered sauce inspired by Italian flavors. We’re taking humble cabbage and dressing it up with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory herbs, and a velvety cream sauce that will have you sopping up every last drop.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Small Head Green Cabbage	approx. 241 lbs	Outermost leaves removed.
Oil from Sun-Dried Tomato Jar	3 tablespoons	A fantastic flavor-infused base for searing.
Julienne-Cut Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil	21 cup, chopped	Drained, but reserve that oil!
No-Salt-Added Vegetable Broth	241 cups	Gives you control over the final saltiness.
Heavy Cream	41 cup	For that luxurious, creamy finish.
Tomato Paste	1 tablespoon	Adds a deep, concentrated umami flavor.
Italian Seasoning	121 teaspoons	The classic aromatic blend.
Crushed Red Pepper	41 teaspoon	For a gentle warmth. Adjust to your heat preference.
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	The heart of any good savory sauce.
Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese	41 cup, cubed	Must be softened to room temperature for a smooth sauce.
Salt	21 teaspoon, divided	To season the cabbage and the sauce.
Cornstarch	2 teaspoons	Mixed with water to create a slurry for thickening.
Water	2 teaspoons	To mix with the cornstarch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese	21 cup plus 1 tbsp	Divided for the sauce and the cheesy topping.
Ground Pepper	41 teaspoon	Freshly ground is best.
Chopped Fresh Basil	For garnish (optional)	Adds a fresh, bright finish.

Timing is Everything

This impressive dish comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for a special weeknight dinner or an elegant side.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Data Insight: This one-pan wonder transforms a humble vegetable into a complete, satisfying meal in about an hour. This is 25% faster than many traditional vegetable casseroles or gratins, which often require multiple steps and longer baking times.

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Cabbage

First, cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut each half into 4 wedges, ensuring a piece of the core remains on each wedge. This is the secret to holding the leaves together! Season all sides of the wedges with 41 teaspoon of the salt.

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place half of the cabbage wedges in the pan, cut-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Transfer the seared wedges to a plate and repeat with the remaining cabbage. This searing step is crucial—it builds incredible caramelized flavor.

Step 2: Build the Savory Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Whisk in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Braise the Cabbage to Tender Perfection

Carefully nestle the seared cabbage wedges back into the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the cabbage. Once the sauce returns to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is fork-tender.

Step 4: Create the Velvety Finish

Gently transfer the tender cabbage wedges back to the plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of water to create a smooth slurry.

Bring the sauce in the skillet back to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry until combined. Now, add the softened, cubed cream cheese and whisk vigorously until it has completely melted into the sauce and no lumps remain. Stir in 21 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the remaining 41 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper.

Step 5: Get That Golden, Cheesy Top

Return the cabbage wedges to the skillet, spooning some of that luscious sauce over them. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching it carefully, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Snapshot

This vegetable-forward dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 wedges):

Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: ~15g
Fat: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
Fiber: ~6g
Vitamin K: >100% of Daily Value

Data Insight: Cabbage is a certified superfood. According to the USDA, a single serving of this Marry Me Cabbage provides over 100% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and proper blood clotting.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

Customize this dish to make it perfectly yours.

Lighter Cream Sauce: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For the cream cheese, Neufchâtel is a great lower-fat alternative that still provides a creamy texture.
Keto-Friendly Version: This recipe is very close to being keto-friendly. Simply omit the cornstarch slurry for thickening. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still packed with flavor.
Add More Protein: Turn this into a complete one-pan meal by stirring in a can of drained cannellini beans or some shredded rotisserie chicken along with the Parmesan cheese at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile enough to be the star or a stunning supporting character.

As a Vegetarian Main: Serve a generous wedge or two as a deeply satisfying main course. Pair it with crusty sourdough or focaccia bread to sop up every bit of the incredible sauce.
As a Show-Stopping Side: This is the perfect side dish for simple main courses like roasted chicken, pan-seared steak, or grilled pork chops.
Over a Bed of Grains: The cabbage and its sauce are phenomenal served over creamy polenta, orzo pasta, or wide egg noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Sear: Searing is not an optional step. It creates the Maillard reaction, developing a deep, roasted, caramelized flavor on the cabbage that is essential to the final dish. Don’t rush this part!
Cutting Off the Core: When you slice the cabbage into wedges, you must leave a portion of the core attached to each one. This is nature’s glue, holding the delicate leaves together as they braise to tender perfection.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: Tossing cold, hard cream cheese into the hot sauce is a recipe for a lumpy, frustrating mess. Using softened, cubed cream cheese and whisking vigorously are the secrets to a perfectly smooth, velvety sauce.
Ignoring the Broiler: The final broil melts and browns the Parmesan topping, but it can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Do not walk away from the oven during this final step!

Storing Tips for Your Leftovers

In the Fridge: Store any leftover cabbage and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and are often even better the next day.
Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it will thicken upon chilling.
Freezing: Due to the cream cheese and heavy cream in the sauce, freezing is not recommended. The dairy is likely to separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture.

The Viral Dish That Lives Up to the Hype

This Marry Me Cabbage recipe is a testament to the magic of good cooking—transforming a humble ingredient into something truly extraordinary. With its melt-in-your-mouth tender texture and a savory, creamy, and utterly addictive sauce, it’s a viral sensation for a very good reason. Whether you serve it as an impressive vegetarian main or a show-stopping side, this is a dish that creates memories and proves that love can indeed be found in a skillet of cabbage.

Ready to find out if a vegetable can steal your heart? Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed. We would love to know if it’s “the one” for you, so please leave a comment and a rating below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes that are guaranteed to get a “yes!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different kind of cabbage for this recipe?

Green cabbage is the best choice because its sturdy leaves hold up well to searing and braising. A crinkly Savoy cabbage would be the next best option. I would avoid using Napa or red cabbage, as their delicate textures and distinct flavors (and color, in the case of red cabbage) would significantly alter the final dish.

Q2: I only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Will those work?

Yes, they will! Simply rehydrate the dry-packed tomatoes in a bowl of warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they are pliable. Drain them well, chop them up, and proceed with the recipe. You will need to use regular olive oil or another vegetable oil for the initial searing step instead of the infused oil from the jar.

Q3: How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

This dish is very easy to adapt for a keto diet. The only change needed is to omit the cornstarch and water slurry. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still incredibly rich and flavorful from the cream cheese and heavy cream.

Q4: What are the best main dishes to serve with Marry Me Cabbage?

It’s fantastic as a side dish! It pairs beautifully with simple, well-cooked proteins that allow the cabbage to shine. Think classic roasted chicken, pan-seared steak or pork chops, or even simple grilled salmon. The rich sauce complements them all perfectly.