Caramelized Cabbage Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or other neutral-flavored oil)
• 1 large green cabbage (2 pounds before trimming, quartered, cored and thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 16 ounces bucatini (or spaghetti)
• 8 Tablespoons butter (unsalted, cut into chunks)
• 2/3 cup pecans (roughly chopped )
• 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated, plus more for serving)
• 1/3 cup Italian parsley (roughly chopped)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (+ 1 2 Tablespoons lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

3. 3

   Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a couple rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.

4. 4

   Split the 1 large green cabbage between the two prepared baking sheets. Drizzle each with 1 TBSP avocado oil, and sprinkle evenly with the kosher salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Arrange in a single layer and roast, 18-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and golden.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, add the 16 ounces bucatini to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructs. Drain, reserving 2 cups of pasta water.

6. 6

   Once the cabbage is done cooking, add the 8 Tablespoons butter, 2/3 cup pecans and a pinch of salt to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, 5-6 minutes.

7. 7

   Add 1 cup of pasta water, the roasted cabbage and the cooked pasta and stir to coat.

8. 8

   Simmer until the sauce thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the 1/2 cup Parmesan and ⅓ cup Italian parsley and stir vigorously until the sauce coats the pasta and the cheese melts. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of pasta water.

9. 9

   Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest, and ½ cup heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

10. 10

    Divide among bowls and top with the additional cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy!