Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

These Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are the most incredible side dish to make any meal better! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or any time you want a green bean recipe that’s full of big flavor! With fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese, this dish is ready in less than 20 minutes.

Are you looking for more yummy side dishes? Try our Herbed Buttered Potatoes, Cheesy Garlic Buttered Noodles, or Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese. This Green Bean Salad is so tasty, especially with its flavorful dressing!

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For this recipe, I went with white half runner string beans. They’re super tender and taste amazing! Growing up, I used to sit on the porch and snap the ends off beans with my Mom and Mammy (grandma). We called it stringin’ the beans! These days, you don’t see the strings on beans from the grocery store much anymore. So I guess it’s old-fashioned to break beans! During the summer, I love picking up fresh beans from a local produce stand, but when it comes to canned beans, French green beans are my favorite!

Whether you’re using fresh green beans, canned beans, or frozen beans, these garlicky green beans will be a hit on your holiday table or weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and sea salt, this recipe is one of the best green bean recipes you’ll find!

What you’ll love about this Green Beans recipe:


  • EASY SIDE DISH – Comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
  • HEALTHY & DELICIOUS – Fresh green beans and garlic make this a nutritious option.
  • BIG FLAVOR – The combination of garlic and Parmesan offers a burst of flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this awesome recipe for Parmesan Green Beans:

  • Fresh green beans
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Unsalted butter
  • Lemon juice- you could also throw in some fresh lemon zest!

INGREDIENT NOTES:

  • Fresh Green Beans: Use your favorite variety.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish, but in a pinch, the green shaker is okay too! My motto is use what you have!
  • Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC PARMESAN GREEN BEANS STEP-BY-STEP:   

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

STEP 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 minutes.

STEP 2: Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.

STEP 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to blister and brown in spots.

STEP 4: Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

STEP 5: Reduce heat to low and add butter and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the butter is melted and the cheese starts to stick to the beans.

STEP 6: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add more freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tip on How to Cook Fresh Green Beans:

Blanch the green beans before sautéing to ensure they maintain their bright green color, crisp texture, and nutrients. This quick boil-and-cool method is essential for perfect green beans.

How to Blanch Green Beans:

  1. Prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl with cold water and add ice cubes. Set this aside.
  2. Boil water: Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
  3. Add green beans: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans.
  4. Cook briefly: Let the green beans cook in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. They should become bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
  5. Drain and cool: Quickly remove the green beans from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or by draining them in a colander.
  6. Ice bath: Immediately transfer the drained green beans to the prepared ice bath. This stops the cooking process and helps retain their bright color and crisp texture.
  7. Drain again: After 2-3 minutes in the ice bath, drain the green beans thoroughly.
  8. Pat dry: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the green beans dry before using them in your recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing:  Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the blanched green beans before sautéing. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Nuts: Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
  • Spices: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Cheese: Add some bread crumbs mixed with more Parmesan for a crispy topping.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Green Beans: You can use fresh, frozen or canned green beans instead. This recipe also goes great with brussel sprouts.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative for a sharper flavor.
  • Garlic: You can use garlic powder also.

FAQs about this Green Beans Recipe:

Fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, but you can use canned green beans in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well. Frozen can be used as well, just let thaw and drain any liquid.

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

Add the garlic towards the end of the cooking time and reduce the heat to low.

What Can I Serve with Sautéed Green Beans?

Serve this tasty side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or pasta dishes for a complete meal. Pair with classic meatballs for an Italian-inspired dinner, or add to your next holiday meal or Thanksgiving table.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Five golden stars image.

I’m excited for you to try this Garlic Parmesan Green Beans Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!

Garlic parmesan green beans on a plate.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
These Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are the most incredible side dish to make any meal better! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or any time you want a green bean recipe that’s full of big flavor! With fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese, this dish is ready in less than 20 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 152 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed & strings removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 minutes.
  • Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to blister and brown in spots.
  • Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Reduce heat to low and add butter and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the butter is melted and the cheese starts to stick to the beans.
  • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add more freshly grated parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Pro Tip: Blanch the green beans before sautéing to ensure they maintain their bright green color, crisp texture, and nutrients. This quick boil-and-cool method is essential for perfect green beans.
How to Blanch Green Beans:
  1. Prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl with cold water and add ice cubes. Set this aside.
  2. Boil water: Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
  3. Add green beans: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans.
  4. Cook briefly: Let the green beans cook in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. They should become bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
  5. Drain and cool: Quickly remove the green beans from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or by draining them in a colander.
  6. Ice bath: Immediately transfer the drained green beans to the prepared ice bath. This stops the cooking process and helps retain their bright color and crisp texture.
  7. Drain again: After 2-3 minutes in the ice bath, drain the green beans thoroughly.
  8. Pat dry: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the green beans dry before using them in your recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 299mgPotassium: 257mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 958IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg
Keyword easy side dish, gluten free, green beans, healthy, keto, low carb, side dish, sides, vegan
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6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am so excited to share and feature your awesome post on Full Plate Thursday, 706! Thanks so much for sharing with us and please come back soon!
    Miz Helen

5 from 1 vote

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