Cabbage Walnut Pasta

Looking for a hearty, comforting pasta dish that’s a little different from the usual? You’re going to absolutely love this Cabbage Walnut Pasta. It’s one of those recipes that takes simple ingredients and turns them into something surprisingly delicious. The cabbage is sautéed until it’s golden and tender, blending perfectly with the crunchy, toasted walnuts and the rich, savory pasta. Add a little garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and full of heart. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Walnut Pasta

Simple Yet Flavorful

This dish proves that you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make something amazing. With just a few pantry staples—like pasta, cabbage, and walnuts—you’ll have a meal that’s packed with texture, flavor, and a touch of rustic charm.

Nutty and Savory

The toasted walnuts add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor, which pairs perfectly with the soft, slightly sweet cabbage. The combination is like a cozy hug in a bowl, and the garlic and olive oil bring everything together with that Mediterranean richness we all crave.

Versatile

You can easily tweak this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Looking for extra protein? Try adding some grilled chicken or beans. It’s the kind of dish that can be easily customized to fit your taste and what you have on hand.

Quick and Easy

This pasta comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a stress-free, flavorful dish that will make you feel like a kitchen pro!

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a great choice when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want a meal that feels special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cabbage Walnut Pasta:

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: Any kind of pasta will work, but I love using spaghetti or linguine for this recipe.
• Cabbage: Use green cabbage, finely shredded, for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
• Walnuts: Toasted for extra flavor and crunch.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the cabbage and adding richness to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic, savory base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for topping and a touch of salty, cheesy goodness.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a bright note to balance the richness of the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Potassium: 480mg
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 60% DV

This dish is packed with healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil, plus fiber from the cabbage, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Instructions

Let’s get started on this easy, delicious pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Toast the Walnuts

While the pasta is cooking, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Cabbage

In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage and season with salt and pepper. Cook the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and lightly golden.

Combine the Pasta & Cabbage

Once the cabbage is cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cabbage. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky, cohesive sauce. Squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for brightness and toss again.

Add the Walnuts & Cheese

Add the toasted walnuts and a generous amount of grated Parmesan to the pasta. Give everything a final toss to combine.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Cabbage Walnut Pasta warm, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top if desired. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!

How to Serve Cabbage Walnut Pasta

This Cabbage Walnut Pasta is filling enough to be a standalone meal, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Roasted Vegetables

Serve this pasta alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

Green Salad

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be the perfect side to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Grilled Meats

This pasta would also pair beautifully with grilled chicken, sausage, or even lamb chops for a heartier meal.

Bread

Serve with some crusty bread to soak up any extra olive oil and Parmesan—yum!

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the cabbage, or add a fresh chopped chili pepper to the pasta when you combine it with the cabbage.

Add Extra Protein

To make this pasta a more substantial meal, consider adding some cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for added protein.

Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the pasta with a splash of olive oil or pasta water.

Make It Vegan

To make this dish vegan, skip the Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any kind of pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan with a little extra olive oil.

Q3: Can I add meat to this pasta?
A3: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sausage, or bacon would all be great additions to this dish.

Q4: Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
A4: Yes! Toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pecans would also add a great crunch and flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftover pasta?
A5: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of olive oil or pasta water to bring it back to life.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta, and you’re all set.

Q7: How do I get a creamier sauce?
A7: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the pasta before serving.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A8: Definitely! You can add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

Q9: Is this pasta vegetarian?
A9: Yes! This dish is naturally vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan or using a dairy-free alternative.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: You can add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chili, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!

Conclusion

This Cabbage Walnut Pasta is everything you’ve been craving—comforting, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The combination of nutty walnuts, sweet cabbage, and savory pasta is truly irresistible. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead—make it tonight and watch it become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

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