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–+ servings

Skillet Garlic Parmesan Fresh Green Beans (No Canned Soup)

Tender-crisp fresh green beans sautéed in garlic herb butter, bathed in a silky parmesan cream sauce, and crowned with shatteringly crisp toasted garlic parmesan panko. Made in 20 minutes with zero canned soup!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs fresh green beans trimmed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano freshly grated, divided
  • 1/3 cup vegetable or chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg freshly grated

Method
 

  1. Make the Crispy Panko Topping: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer immediately to a small bowl and toss with 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Blanch the Green Beans (The Crisp-Tender Secret): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the trimmed fresh green beans and boil for exactly 3 minutes until bright vibrant emerald and crisp-tender. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice water bath for 60 seconds to halt the cooking. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry on clean kitchen towels.
  3. Sauté & Sizzle: Wipe the skillet clean and set over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once foaming, add the dried green beans in a single layer. Sauté undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly blistered and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, tossing continuously for 60 seconds until aromatic and fragrant without burning.
  4. Simmer the Silky Parmesan Cream Sauce: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and scrape up any golden browned fond from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice until silky and melted into a velvety glaze.
  5. Assemble & Serve: Transfer the creamy garlic parmesan green beans to a warm serving platter or ceramic dish. Shower generously with the prepared crispy golden panko-parmesan streusel topping, additional shaved parmesan curls, and fresh cracked pepper. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 3.5gVitamin A: 1150IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

• Quick Ice Bath Shock: Don't skip the ice bath! Shocking the green beans locks in their vibrant chlorophyll green hue and guarantees they stay tender-crisp rather than mushy when simmered in the cream sauce.
• Grate Real Parmigiano Reggiano: Pre-shredded packaged parmesan contains cellulose anti-caking powders that will turn your sauce grainy. Always freshly grate a block of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for a velvety sauce.
• Make-Ahead Holiday Prep: You can blanch and dry the green beans up to 24 hours in advance and store them wrapped in paper towels in a zip-top bag in the fridge. Toast the panko topping ahead and store at room temp. At dinner time, the skillet sauce takes just 5 minutes!

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