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Ever have one of those recipes you stumble across almost by accident but then wonder how you ever lived without it? For me, that’s this Cabbage and Noodles with Sausage dish—comforting, quick, and utterly irresistible.
The first time I made it, my husband looked skeptical (he always does with new recipes), but by the time his plate was empty, I knew we had a winner. Simple ingredients, big flavors, and ready in just 30 minutes—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Winner: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Full of Flavor: Smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and buttery noodles—a trio made in heaven.
- Budget-Friendly Comfort: Simple pantry staples that taste like comfort in a bowl.
Before You Start: My Top Tips
Cabbage
- Choosing: Choose fresh, firm green cabbage that feels crisp and heavy. This ensures it cooks perfectly without turning mushy.
- Shredding: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for quick, even shreds. If using a mandoline, always wear a protective glove to keep your fingers safe! Trust me, I’m speaking from experience here.
- Cooking Tips: Sauté the cabbage without overcrowding the pan, giving it enough space to caramelize and develop flavor rather than steaming.
Sausage
- Selecting: Kielbasa is ideal—smoky, flavorful, and browns nicely. Even slices help ensure consistent cooking.
- Cooking: Brown sausage thoroughly; crispy edges are key to unlocking maximum flavor.
Egg Noodles
- Best Type: Egg noodles are perfect since they hold onto flavors without turning soggy. If substituting, choose sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle.
Extra Boost Flavor
- Vinegar: Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar. It adds essential brightness, balancing the rich, smoky flavors perfectly.
Boil egg noodles just until al dente according to the package instructions—avoid overcooking so they maintain the perfect bite.
Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the noodles as they cook.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and brown sausage slices thoroughly, 3-4 minutes per side. Those crispy bits are pure flavor!
Tip: Don’t rush this step; deep browning builds incredible flavor.
In the same skillet, sauté onion and shredded cabbage until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and spices, stirring well to fully coat and release their aromas.
Tip: Adding garlic after onions and cabbage prevents it from burning.
Add chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, then cover and simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Tip: Covering the skillet helps cabbage steam gently and keeps moisture in.
Toss cooked sausage and noodles back into the skillet, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!
Tip: Finish with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra punch of flavor.
How To Serve
This hearty dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few easy ideas to round out your meal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Any smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage would work great here.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Feel free to substitute with sturdy pasta varieties like rigatoni, farfalle, or penne.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Definitely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Delicious Cabbage Recipes
Cabbage and Noodles with Sausage
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound smoked sausage kielbasa, sliced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cups green cabbage shredded
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and cabbage. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth and vinegar. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked sausage and drained noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips & Notes:
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed—personal preferences can vary!
- Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top just before serving for added freshness and flavor.
