Marry Me Melting Cabbage: A Rich & Flavorful Vegetarian Twist
We’ve taken the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe and given it a delicious vegetarian makeover! Instead of chicken, tender cabbage wedges are seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. The result? A dish so irresistible, you’ll want to marry it!
Every bite is packed with savoury goodness, and the best part? The cabbage becomes so tender you can cut it with a spoon! Whether you pair it with crusty whole-grain bread, serve it over brown rice, or toss it with whole-wheat pasta, this dish will surely become a favourite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Tender – The cabbage melts in your mouth!
- Rich & Creamy Sauce – A blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps for a gourmet dish.
- Versatile & Customizable – Pair it with bread, pasta, or rice.
- Packed with Flavor – Italian herbs and garlic bring out deep, savoury notes.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Cabbage:
1 small green cabbage (about 2¼ lbs), outer leaves removed
3 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar (divided)
½ tsp salt (divided)
¼ tsp ground pepper
For the Sauce:
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained)
2¼ cups vegetable broth (no salt added)
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp tomato paste
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
3 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup reduced-fat cream cheese (cubed & softened)
2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (mixed)
½ cup + 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
Chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Sear the Cabbage
1️⃣ First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Next, cut the cabbage halfway through the root, then slice each half into four thick wedges (about 2 inches wide).
3️⃣ Meanwhile, Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4️⃣ Once hot, add 4 cabbage wedges until deeply browned (3-4 minutes per side).
5️⃣ After that, Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and repeat with 1 more tbsp oil and the remaining wedges.
Pro Tip: Keeping the core intact helps the wedges hold their shape while cooking!
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
🔹 While the cabbage rests, add the following to the same skillet:
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
- ¼ tsp salt
🔹 Stir everything together and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture is well combined and bubbling (about 2 minutes).
🔹 Meanwhile, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Then, slowly whisk it into the skillet to thicken the sauce.
🔹 Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in ½ cup Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Pro Tip: The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a velvety texture!
3️⃣ Bake Until Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender
🔹 At this point, sprinkle the cabbage wedges with ¼ tsp salt & ¼ tsp pepper.
🔹 Then, nestle them back into the skillet, slightly overlapping if needed.
🔹 Now, bake for 50-60 minutes, flipping the cabbage halfway through.
🔹 Finally, sprinkle with the remaining 1 tbsp Parmesan just before serving.
🔹 For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with chopped basil if desired.
Pro Tip: The longer it bakes, the softer and more flavorful the cabbage becomes!
How to Serve Marry Me Melting Cabbage
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce.
- Over Brown Rice – A hearty, nutritious meal.
- With Whole-Wheat Pasta – Turn it into a satisfying pasta dish.
- As a Side Dish pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or grilled proteins.
Nutrition (Per Serving: 1 Cabbage Wedge & 2 Tbsp Sauce)
🔹 Calories: 181
🔹 Fat: 12g
🔹 Saturated Fat: 4g
🔹 Carbs: 14g
🔹 Fiber: 3g
🔹 Protein: 4g
🔹 Sodium: 345mg
🔹 Potassium: 436mg
Final Thoughts
In short, this Marry Me Melting Cabbage is the perfect dish for anyone looking for comfort food with a healthy twist. The combination of seared cabbage, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and Parmesan makes for an irresistible, flavour-packed meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is sure to impress.
Give it a try, and you might fall in love with cabbage!
Would you add anything to this recipe? Let us know in the comments!
Why This Version is Better:
- More engaging & conversational
- More precise steps with helpful pro tips
- Easier to read with a natural flow
- Practical serving suggestions
- This article was initially published in Eatingwell
