Cabbage Carbonara Recipe
This cabbage carbonara is a delicious low-carb and creamy pasta replacement made with roasted cabbage strips, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It offers a comforting and satisfying dish with a silky texture and savory flavors, perfect for those seeking a healthier, budget-friendly alternative to traditional carbonara.
- Author: Ria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Vegetables
- ½ medium head of cabbage
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Proteins
- 4–5 slices bacon, chopped
Dairy
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Seasonings & Oils
- Olive oil, for roasting
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cabbage.
- Prep the cabbage: Slice half a medium head of cabbage into long, thin strips resembling wide noodles, yielding about 5 to 6 cups. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to season evenly.
- Roast the cabbage: Spread the cabbage strips out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges start to brown lightly and the cabbage softens but remains slightly chewy.
- Cook the bacon: While the cabbage roasts, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to crisp and release its fat.
- Sauté onions and garlic: To the pan with bacon, add the chopped onion and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in ½ cup heavy cream, then add ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine cabbage and sauce: Add the roasted cabbage strips into the creamy sauce pan. Toss gently to coat all the cabbage evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors, taking care not to overcook the cabbage.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the cabbage carbonara hot, optionally topped with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and crispy bacon pieces. A drizzle of olive oil before serving enhances flavor and shine.
Notes
- Do not overcook the cabbage to maintain its slightly chewy, pasta-like texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of cream or water to loosen it.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce consistency.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing is not recommended as creamy sauces may separate upon thawing.
Keywords: Cabbage Carbonara, Low Carb, Keto, Creamy Sauce, Bacon, Roasted Cabbage, Pasta Replacement