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Bowl of melty cabbage pasta carbonara with parsley and Pecorino Romano, rustic wooden table setting.
Alyssa

Melty Cabbage Pasta Carbonara

Swap out half of the pasta for tender ribbons of caramelized cabbage.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 447

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can/jar anchovy fillets (do not drain)
  • 1 medium green cabbage (cored and thinly sliced)
  • 2.5 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 ounce Pecorino Romano cheese (grated, plus more for serving)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground, plus more for serving)
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • fresh parsley leaves (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add anchovy fillets and cook until dissolved.
  3. Add cabbage and kosher salt, cover and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes, then uncover and continue to cook until soft.
  5. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, adding remaining salt.
  6. In a bowl, whisk eggs and yolks, then combine with cheese, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  7. Slowly add pasta cooking water to egg mixture while whisking.
  8. Transfer spaghetti to skillet, tossing with cabbage mixture, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  9. Slowly pour egg mixture into skillet while tossing pasta, and cook on low heat until thickened.
  10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; serve with parsley and additional cheese if desired.

Notes

Enjoy this creamy and comforting pasta dish!