Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- Salt (for pasta water, amount as needed)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6-7 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 10 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized. In the final minutes, stir in the vinegar to deglaze the pan and enhance the flavor.
- Toss pasta with cabbage: Add the cooked fettuccine and 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss well until the liquid coats the noodles thoroughly; add more pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
- Add Parmesan and finish sauce: Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, clinging to the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste since Parmesan adds saltiness.
- The vinegar adds a nice tang; white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian