With just a handful of ingredients you can make a ho-hum bag of frozen (or fresh!) green beans into a holiday-worthy side dish the whole family will love. Let's get this 15-minute, one-pan Italian Green Beans side dish on the table!
Italian Flat Green Beans
Italian green beans are called Romano beans - these are the flat green beans you often see in the canned vegetable aisle or in bags in the freezer section of your grocery store.
These large, flat beans can be used interchangeably with pole beans, or regular cut green beans. So feel free to substitute whatever kind of green bean you have hiding in your freezer or crisper drawer!
This classic bean recipe was on my table growing up for every special occasion. Today, they have joined Garlic Lemon Beans and Marinated Grilled Asparagus as our favorite every-day green side dishes.
Ingredients for this recipe:
Before we get to the step by step instructions, a few notes about the ingredients:
- Green beans: I can buy fresh beans (Portuguese-style beans are very similar to Romano beans), so that's what I used here. But you can make this recipe using fresh, frozen or canned beans. Just prepare the beans so they are cooked through (either steamed in pan, or in the microwave) before adding to the buttery Italian crumbs.
- Bread crumbs: Italian seasoned fine bread crumbs are my preference for this recipe. Italian seasoned panko crumbs can also be used.
- Parmesan: substitute grated Grana Padano or Asiago.
- Butter: I use salted butter, but unsalted works, as well. Just taste and adjust salt levels. Substitute olive oil, if you prefer.
Full ingredient list and measurements included in printable recipe card below.
How to Make Italian-style Green Beans
Step 1: Prep Beans
Prepare green beans by steaming in the microwave or on the stovetop according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Italian Flavored Crumbs
Saute garlic in melted butter. Add breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, if using.
Add cooked beans and grated parmesan cheese. Toss together, then taste and add more salt and black pepper, if needed.
Serve with Broiled Cod, Seared Salmon or Baked Colossal Shrimp.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Italian Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 45-60 seconds or warm on stovetop over medium until just heated through.
Print
Easy Italian Green Beans
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
The perfect side dish for your favorite holiday dish or weeknight dinner. Quick and easy and packed with big Italian green bean flavor!
Ingredients
16 ounces Italian Romano green beans (fresh, frozen or canned)
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing green beans (microwave, steam according to package directions). If making fresh Italian green beans, clean and cut into 1-inch pieces and steam in about 1 inch of salted water for 5 minutes (set timer once water starts boiling and you cover the pot).
- Prepare green beans according to package instructions. (For canned and frozen, you just want to heat them through. For fresh beans, clean, cut and steam for 5 minutes, until tender and cooked through). Set aside.
- Melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes, until tender and fragrant. Add bread crumbs, a pinch of salt and pepper along with chili flakes, if using. Cook over medium low heat for 3 minutes, stirring until crumbs are golden brown.
- Add cooked Italian beans and parmesan cheese. Toss in buttery crumbs. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, or an extra pat of butter. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions
Use regular green beans (pole beans) in place of Italian green beans. If using canned beans, the texture will be much softer, but the flavor will still be great! Plan to add less salt.
Italian seasoned bread crumbs are ideal for this recipe. If using unseasoned bread crumbs, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper to the crumbs.
Substitute extra virgin olive oil in place of butter, if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Store Italian Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 45-60 seconds or warm on stovetop over medium until just heated through.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: side dishes
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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