Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender green beans simmered in a rich Parmesan sauce with toasted almonds for a simple yet elegant keto side dish. This keto (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs Green beans, Butter, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 ounces trimmed green beans, and cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  2. Step 2: Drain beans, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water, and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, cooking until sauce thickens slightly (2 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Return drained green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat, and add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and cook for 1 minute until almonds are lightly toasted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Almonds 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 Parmesan Green Beans with Almonds?

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 green beans from drying out.

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

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 Parmesan Green Beans with Almonds 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 Parmesan Green Beans with Almonds low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, 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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