Italian Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The combination of tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese creates a delicious and nutritious dish that’s easy to make in just minutes. Whether served alongside grilled meats, pasta, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal, these green beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian green beans (Romano beans), trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season and Finish: Sprinkle the green beans with salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice if desired.
5. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Add Nuts: Toss in toasted almonds or pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Use Butter: Substitute half the olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a saltier bite.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may become too soft.

FAQs

1. What are Italian green beans?

Italian green beans, also known as Romano beans, are flatter and broader than regular green beans with a slightly sweeter flavor.

2. Can I use regular green beans instead?

Yes! Regular green beans or French haricots verts work just as well in this recipe.

3. How do I keep the green beans from becoming mushy?

Blanching them first and then sautéing quickly ensures they stay tender yet crisp.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can blanch the green beans in advance and sauté them just before serving.

5. What main dishes pair well with this recipe?

These green beans go great with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or a classic pasta dish.

6. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

7. How do I add more depth of flavor?

A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors.

8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

9. Can I roast the green beans instead?

Absolutely! Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings, then roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

10. How do I know when the green beans are done?

They should be tender but still have a slight bite—taste-test them after sautéing.

Conclusion

Italian Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan is a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish that brings classic Mediterranean flavors to your table. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal, these garlicky, cheesy green beans will add a delicious touch to your plate. Give them a try, and they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy green beans!

Italian Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Blanching
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Blanched Romano beans are sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a classic Mediterranean touch. Ready in 15 minutes, this easy vegetable dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian green beans (Romano beans, trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Blanch the Green Beans

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the trimmed Italian green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
• Drain immediately and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3️⃣ Cook the Green Beans

• Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic-infused oil.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

4️⃣ Season and Finish

• Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine.
• Drizzle with lemon juice (if desired) and stir again.

5️⃣ Serve

• Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm.

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Notes

• Blanching Tip: Blanching the green beans first helps them retain their vibrant green color and ensures they cook evenly when sautéed.
• Texture Preference: For crispier green beans, reduce the blanching time to 2 minutes or skip it entirely and just sauté longer.
• Garlic Flavor: Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden and fragrant, not brown. If it burns, start over to avoid bitterness.
• Cheese Substitute: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well for a similar salty, nutty flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
• Lemon vs. Balsamic: Lemon juice adds freshness, while balsamic vinegar provides a deeper, slightly sweet tang—choose based on your taste preference!
• Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or pasta for a well-rounded Mediterranean meal.