Cacio e pepe sautéed cabbage is what happens when a simple vegetable side gets a serious upgrade. You get tender, slightly caramelized cabbage coated in a buttery, peppery sauce with a generous hit of Parmesan. It’s cozy, quick, and surprisingly craveable.
If you’re looking for a new way to use cabbage that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, this is it. It cooks fast, uses pantry staples, and pairs with just about anything from roasted chicken to pasta. Plus, it delivers that classic cacio e pepe flavor without needing to boil a single noodle.
Helpful Tips
- Slice the cabbage evenly so it cooks at the same rate. Thin ribbons work best for a tender texture with a little bite.
- Don’t rush the browning. Let the cabbage sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time so you get those golden, slightly crispy edges.
- Add the cheese off heat to prevent clumping. Toss it in at the end with a splash of pasta water or broth for a silky finish.
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Cacio e Pepe Sauteed Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 small green cabbage cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup Pecorino-Romano cheese finely grated
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Add the sliced cabbage and salt. Toss to coat, then let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop some browning.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender with caramelized edges.
- Add the black pepper and stir well to evenly distribute.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cheese and toss quickly so it melts into the cabbage.
- If needed, add a splash of broth or water to create a light, silky coating.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Laura is dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle after losing 52 pounds on the keto diet. As many of us do, she struggles with her weight and has found that one of the only diet lifestyles that allows her to maintain a healthy weight is a low-carb diet. She shares her favorite low-carb recipes here that are both easy to make and full of flavor, so you don’t even miss the carbs.