Italian style green beans bring back memories of summer dinners at Nonna’s house. Simplicity at its finest, this dish transforms humble green beans into something truly special with just a few key ingredients. These Italian style green beans are a vibrant and flavorful side dish, perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight meal to a holiday feast.
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Why You Will Love This Italian style green beans Recipe
This isn’t just another side dish; it’s comfort food elevated. The bright, fresh flavor of the green beans, combined with garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes, creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and surprisingly flavorful for its simplicity. Think of it as your secret weapon for getting vegetables on the table that everyone will actually enjoy. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile; add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
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You’ll love this recipe because:
- It’s quick and easy to make.
- It only requires a handful of ingredients.
- The flavor is incredible and adaptable.
- It’s a healthy and satisfying side dish.
- It’s a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients Needed for This Italian style green beans Recipe
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make This Italian style green beans Recipe
- Wash and trim the green beans. Ensure they are all roughly the same length for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-infused oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve This Italian style green beans Recipe
These Italian style green beans are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a hearty pasta dish. Consider plating them with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added texture or a dollop of ricotta cheese for creaminess. For a more vibrant presentation, garnish with a few fresh parsley sprigs. Pair them with some Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans for a green bean bonanza!
How to Store This Italian style green beans Recipe
Leftover seasoned green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, avoid overcrowding the container. Freezing is not recommended as it can make the green beans mushy.
To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed. Microwave reheating is also an option, but may result in a slightly softer texture.
Tips to Make This Italian style green beans Recipe
- For a more intense garlic flavor, use garlic-infused olive oil.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be substituted.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Don’t overcook the green beans; they should still have a slight crunch.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
- If you’re looking for a unique twist, try adding a small amount of Spicy Green Apple Pickle brine to the dish for an extra tang.
Helpful Notes for This Italian style green beans Recipe
Fresh green beans are best for this recipe. Canned green beans will be too soft. If you only have frozen green beans, blanch them briefly before adding them to the skillet.
The olive oil adds richness and flavor. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results. The chicken broth provides moisture and a subtle savory flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Variation of This Italian style green beans Recipe
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced pancetta or bacon during the garlic cooking process. Crispy bacon adds a smoky richness that complements the green beans perfectly.
In the summertime, add some fresh cherry tomatoes halved to give a burst of sweetness. For a cozy winter version, stir in some roasted red peppers and a pinch of smoked paprika. Consider adding some Festive Green Cupcakes for a themed dessert alongside!
What makes Italian style green beans different?
Italian style green beans typically feature simple yet flavorful ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and sometimes tomatoes, creating a bright and fresh taste. They are often cooked until tender-crisp, offering a delightful texture.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent a watery dish. Reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans are often partially cooked already.
What are some good variations for Italian style green beans?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or stir in some toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the dish beautifully. Consider adding some chopped tomato for a classic flavour pairing.
Conclusion
This recipe for Italian style green beans is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy fresh vegetables. The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice creates a flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side for any meal. Give these seasoned green beans a try; you won’t be disappointed! Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Italian Style Green Beans: The Easiest Seasoned Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick and easy Italian style green beans with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a hint of lemon. Perfect as a simple side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-infused oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green beans, italian, side dish, garlic, easy