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The Viral “Marry Me” Cabbage


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people 1x

Description

Tender wedges of cabbage simmered in a lusciously creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce spiced with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of heat, then finished with cream cheese and Parmesan. This effortless one-pan side (or centerpiece) is guaranteed to make hearts—and taste buds—melt.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 small head Green cabbage (about 2 1/4 lb Core intact, leaves removed)
  • 3 Tbsp Oil from sun-dried tomato jar
  • 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes in oil julienne-cut, drained (Coarsely chopped)
  • 2 1/4 cups No-salt-added vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 Tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper (Adjust for heat)
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Reduced-fat cream cheese minced
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (Divided)
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch (For slurry)
  • 2 tsp Water (For slurry)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated (Plus 1 Tbsp for garnish)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
  • Fresh basil (Chopped for garnish (optional))

Instructions

Prep the Cabbage:

  1. Quarter the cabbage through the core so each wedge holds together.

Build the Sauce:

  1. In a large deep skillet over medium heat, warm 3 Tbsp sun-dried tomato oil.
  2. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes.

Simmer the Cabbage:

  1. Pour in 2¼ cups vegetable broth and ¼ cup heavy cream; stir to combine.
  2. Nestle the cabbage wedges cut-side down into the liquid. Season lightly with ¼ tsp salt.
  3. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway, until cabbage is just tender.

Enrich the Sauce:

  1. Remove the lid. Stir in the softened cream cheese, breaking it up until fully melted into the sauce.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water to form a slurry. Stir into the pan along with the grated Parmesan and remaining ¼ tsp salt.
  3. Simmer uncovered 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the cabbage.

Finish & Serve:

  1. Season with ground black pepper to taste.
  2. Transfer wedges to a serving platter, spooning extra sauce over top.
  3. Garnish with the reserved 1 Tbsp Parmesan and chopped basil, if using. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: The sauce can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead; add cabbage and finish cooking just before serving.

  • Spice Level: Increase crushed red pepper for more kick, or omit for a milder dish.

  • Variation: Substitute half the broth with white wine for extra depth.

  • Serving Suggestion: Pairs beautifully with crusty bread or grilled proteins to mop up the creamy sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380