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!
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)
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.
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.
