Creamy Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender green beans simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with aged Parmesan, creating a luxurious side dish that pairs perfectly with any keto main course. This italian-inspired keto (vegetarian, keto) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (340g), trimmed green beans, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then add drained green beans and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Toss until beans are coated and sauce clings to them, about 2 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and garnish with chopped parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (340g), trimmed green beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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