Name: Polish Pasta with Cabbage Recipe ('Lazanki z Kapusta')
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 220 g lazanki pasta (uncooked); 600 g green spring cabbage or pointed cabbage; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; Sea salt and pepper to taste and chives and/or dill for garnish

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Polish pasta with cabbage (‘lazanki z kapusta’) is a super simple one-pot recipe that works both as a main or side dish. Preparation is minimal and the dish is on the table in 20 minutes.

What is ‘lazanki’

Lazanki is a type of pasta consisting of small square shapes popular in Poland as well as other East European countries. In Italy it goes by the name of ‘quadretti’.

Today I am sharing a Polish pasta with cabbage recipe – ‘lazanki z kapusta’.

Polish lazanki is an everyday dish though many people serve it as part of their Christmas Eve feast. Christmas lazanki is usually made with sauerkraut and mushrooms. These 2 ingredients are an integral part of traditional Polish Christmas. They are also used in other Christmas dishes, such as Polish sauerkraut pierogi as well as Polish Christmas eve porcini dumplings.

What cabbage is best to use in lazanki recipe

For me, however, lazanki is at its best served with sweet, spring green cabbage, as a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Another good option is pointed (‘sweetheart’) cabbage (see photo above). It has a lovely sweet flavour, delicate soft leaves and lively green colour.

Having said that, other types of cabbage will also work, though you may have to adjust cooking times. White cabbage, for example, might need to cook a little longer and your lazanki won’t be as sweet.

What other ingredients can you add to Polish lazanki pasta

Apart from sweet cabbage, sauerkraut and mushrooms you could add bacon or Polish sausage to lazanki. Crisp up the bacon and/or pieces of sausage and simply stir into the pasta.

I served my Polish noodles with cabbage with freshly chopped chives but you could use dill instead (or in addition to the chives).

Equipment you’ll need

Kitchen scales
Cutting board and knife
Medium saucepan for cooking the pasta, plus strainer
Large pan with lid and spatula

How to make Polish pasta with cabbage: step-by-step

1.Halve the cabbage and cut out the tough middle bit. Chop the cabbage (not too thinly), removing the tougher bits of leaves. (If you leave these in your cabbage will not cook evenly).

2 halves of pointed cabbage, partly chopped on cutting board with knife.

2. In a large shallow pan heat up the oil, add the chopped cabbage and fry for about 4 minutes over a medium heat stirring often.

Chopped cabbage in large white dish with wooden spatula.

3. Season, cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Chopped cooked cabbage in large white pan with wooden spatula and partial view of white lid in top right.

4. 10 minutes into the cooking start boiling the water for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to instructions on the package. Stir into the cabbage immediately after you’ve strained it (to prevent the little squares sticking together).

Stir in the butter, adjust seasoning, sprinkle with chopped herbs, if using, and serve!

Close-up partial view of pasta with cabbage and spoon inside large white dish, with green cloth to the right.

What other pasta can I use in Polish noodles with cabbage

Popular pasta shapes, such as penne, fusilli or farfalle would all work well in this recipe, but the choice is yours so use whatever pasta works for you.

What to serve with Polish lazanki pasta

This simple pasta dish makes a delicious stand alone vegetarian meal but you could also serve it alongside other dishes, such as fried chicken tenders or salmon fish fingers.

Top tips

For best results I recommend using sweet, spring green cabbage of pointed cabbage.
Cabbage cooking time: The exact cooking time depends on your preference and the type of cabbage you are using. Try not to cook it for too long as it will lose its bright green colour. Take care also not to brown the cabbage as it won’t taste as sweet.
Use either Polish ‘lazanki’ pasta (available from Polish delicatessens) but other pasta shapes would work too so use your favourite.
Serve with fresh chives and/or dill, crispy bacon or Pieces of fried Polish sausage
Not suitable for freezing.

More healthy pasta recipes

Check out also this collection of over 12 healthy vegetarian pasta meals.

Keep in touch

If you make this recipe I’d love to know how it turns out for you. Have you served it with additional ingredients? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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