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Looking for a quick, elegant side dish to elevate your meal? Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the perfect Savory Green Bean Side, featuring tender green beans coated in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with any main course, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. With Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce, you’ll transform a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing delight.

Why You’ll Love Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

I absolutely adore this Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce recipe because it’s a stunning Savory Green Bean Side that’s both quick and luxurious. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, adds bold flavor to crisp green beans, making every bite irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, especially with fresh or frozen beans, and versatile enough to complement any protein. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish always impresses with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need for Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce (serves 4–5):

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp lemon zest

Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredient Tips

Green Beans: Fresh is best for crisp texture; frozen works if thawed first.
Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for best flavor; Asiago or Pecorino are great alternatives.
Broth: Use low-sodium to control saltiness; vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
Bacon: Optional for added smokiness; omit for vegetarian version.

Directions :

Let’s create this delicious Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce!

Cook the Green Beans

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 lb trimmed green beans for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
I drain them in a colander and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In a skillet, I melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
I add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.

Make the Sauce

I pour in ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring it to a simmer for 2 minutes.
I add ½ cup heavy cream, stirring until warmed through, about 1–2 minutes.
I gradually stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a smooth sauce.

Combine and Season

I add the cooked green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
I season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

I garnish the Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce with optional crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest, and serve warm for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Calories: ~200 kcal per serving (based on 5 servings, without bacon)
Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 5g protein, 15g fat, 3g fiber

Variations

Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version
Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor
Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Green Chile, Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas for a festive meal.
Serve alongside roast chicken or grilled salmon for a complete Savory Green Bean Side experience.
Offer at a holiday gathering with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

Storage

I store leftover Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess, about 5 minutes. I avoid freezing due to the cream sauce, which may separate, but if needed, I freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight before reheating gently. I add fresh Parmesan or lemon zest before serving to refresh the flavor.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce in a shallow dish to showcase the vibrant beans and creamy sauce.
Garnish: Top with extra Parmesan, crumbled bacon, or lemon zest for flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp white wine, sparkling water, or iced tea to complement Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce.
Temperature: Serve warm for the best creamy texture.
Portion Size: About ¾ cup per person as a side dish.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just thaw and cook slightly less to avoid over-softening.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat and add cheese gradually, stirring constantly.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Parmesan adds richness, but you can substitute with Asiago or Pecorino.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish and reheat gently before serving.

What proteins pair well with this dish?
It complements roast chicken, pork chops, steak, or grilled fish.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely—try mixing in asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have broth?
You can use water, but consider adding a bouillon cube for flavor.

Can I make it without garlic?
Yes, though garlic adds great flavor. You can use onion or shallot instead.

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Conclusion

Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a luxurious yet easy side dish that transforms a simple vegetable into something special. With its velvety sauce and savory cheese flavor, it’s a perfect accompaniment to both casual and holiday meals. Enjoy it fresh and hot, and watch it disappear fast at the table.