Cajun Cabbage Skillet with Sausage and Apple

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and weeknight-easy, this Cajun cabbage skillet checks every box. Smoky chicken andouille sausage, tender sautéed cabbage, sweet apple slices, and a splash of apple cider vinegar come together in one pan for a balanced, satisfying meal.

It’s hearty without feeling heavy and surprisingly nutrient-dense.

Cabbage, often underrated, is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and gut-supportive fiber. One cup of raw cabbage contains about 2 grams of fiber and powerful antioxidants that support overall health. Paired with protein-rich sausage and heart-healthy fats, this dish offers steady energy and bold flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Cabbage Skillet

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• Made in one skillet

• High in protein and fiber

• Naturally gluten-free

• Packed with savory-sweet Cajun flavor

The combination of smoky spice and crisp-tender cabbage makes this Cajun cabbage skillet both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 8 ounces chicken andouille sausage, sliced diagonally 1/4-inch thick

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

• Kosher salt

• 1/2 small head green cabbage, sliced (about 6 cups)

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1/2 small sweet-tart apple (Gala or McIntosh), thinly sliced

• 1 large scallion, thinly sliced

• Hot sauce, for serving

How to Make Cajun Cabbage Skillet

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat.

Arrange sausage slices in a single layer. Cook about 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion

Add onion to the skillet with a splash of water and a generous pinch of salt.

Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping up browned bits from the pan. The onions should soften and lightly caramelize.

3. Cook the Cabbage

Add cabbage, crushed red pepper, and another pinch of salt.

Cook 6–8 minutes until cabbage is crisp-tender. If the pan gets dry, add a splash of water.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, and studies suggest regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

4. Add Garlic and Vinegar

Stir in garlic and apple cider vinegar. Cook about 1 minute, until the vinegar mostly evaporates.

The vinegar brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sausage.

5. Finish with Apple and Butter

Stir in butter until melted.

Return sausage to the pan, then add apple slices. Cook 3–4 minutes until apples are just tender but still slightly crisp.

The apple adds natural sweetness and extra fiber, helping balance the Cajun spice.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with scallions and serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.

Nutrition Highlights

This Cajun cabbage skillet offers:

• Protein from chicken andouille sausage

• Fiber from cabbage and apple

• Antioxidants from cruciferous vegetables

• Flavor without heavy cream or refined grains

Fiber intake is especially important for women. Most women need about 25 grams daily, yet many fall short. Meals like this help close that gap while keeping flavors exciting.

If you’d like to lighten the dish further, you can:

• Use olive oil instead of canola oil

• Choose lower-sodium sausage

• Reduce butter slightly

The Bottom Line

This Cajun cabbage skillet is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, nourishing comfort food. With smoky sausage, crisp cabbage, and sweet apple, it’s a balanced one-pan meal that supports both flavor and nutrition.

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