With the Baggies having not conceded a goal away from home in the Premier League this season ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park, Palace had to be patient in their attempt to break through a stubborn defence.
But Cabaye, who also played under Pardew at Newcastle, held the key as he crossed for Yannick Bolasie to head home before converting his second penalty in six days.
The France international joined the Eagles in the summer in what was seen as a major coup as he moved from Paris Saint-Germain for a club-record fee.
"We approached the game knowing what to expect and we knew we needed to be patient, we played in a controlled manner," Pardew said.
"You need someone like Cabaye to orchestrate that and I thought he was great today in everything he did.
"He created the goal at a stage we were starting to worry on the bench and potentially looking for changes.
"I know his character and he knew he wasn't going to be accepting what was happening at PSG, he wasn't getting a fair opportunity and he needed someone to trust.
"He wants to play for his national side at the Euros. I hope everyone in France was watching him today because he was excellent."
Pardew believes Cabaye, should he maintain such form, would make the France squad for next summer's European Championships in his home country, but there was more to this win than just his performance.
Bolasie looked back to his best and capped a superb display with his first Premier League goal at Selhurst Park on what has been an emotional week for the Congo international.
"It was his father's funeral on Thursday so we didn't see him," Pardew said.
"I like to think, like when I lost my father, maybe he was looking down on him today so it was a nice moment for Yannick. He has dedicated the goal to his father so it was a nice moment all round. It will be a big boost for him because he wants to score goals."
The victory continued Palace's impressive start to the campaign and Pardew drew comparisons to some of his more successful times at Newcastle.
"The last time we (Palace) had 15 points in the Premier League, we were eating our Christmas dinner and (now) we've got it on October 2, so we've got ourselves in a great position," he added.
"You have periods of form and how long we can keep that we'll have to wait and see, but I can compare this season to the team I had twice at Newcastle and this is a team that can be as good as that team."