Italian Green Beans
Introducing your new favorite veggie side dish! Here I’ve basically taken a simple bag of frozen green beans and turned them into a beautiful, flavor packed side by adding just a couple of extra staple ingredients.
These Italian green beans are cooked quickly in a skillet with a splash of water, then finished with butter, Italian seasoning, and plenty of Parmesan. They’re soft but not mushy, buttery and savory, and finished with that salty, cheesy bite that makes a simple veggie feel a little more exciting.
If you’re looking for a side for Easter, the holidays, or just for weeknight dinners, this is the one!
Ingredients
Please note that I’ve included a printable recipe card for you at the bottom of this post!
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Frozen green beans: Super convenient and they hold their texture well.
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Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the Italian seasoning. Salted butter adds extra flavor, but unsalted works too. Just adjust the seasoning.
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Italian seasoning: A simple blend that gives the green beans classic Italian-style flavor without extra prep.
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Salt & black pepper: Season to taste once everything is combined so you don’t overdo it.
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Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory finish. Freshly grated melts best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
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Red pepper flakes: Optional, but great if you like a little heat.
How To Make Italian Green Beans
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Add the frozen green beans to a large skillet with a small splash of water.
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Cover and cook over medium heat until the green beans are tender.
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Drain off any excess water from the skillet.
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Add the butter and Italian seasoning, stirring until the butter melts and evenly coats the green beans.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Transfer to a serving dish and finish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
For best flavor, add a small pat of butter when reheating to refresh the green beans.
Variations
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Extra cheesy: Add a little more Parmesan right before serving. No one will complain.
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Garlic Italian green beans: Stir in a small pinch of garlic powder along with the Italian seasoning.
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Spicy: Finish with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
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Lemon twist: A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up.
Serving Ideas
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Easy side for chicken, pork chops, or steak when you want something green without overthinking it.
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Fits right in next to pasta dishes or meatballs for an Italian-style dinner situation.
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A great add-on for holiday meals when you need a simple veggie that everyone will actually eat.
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Leftovers are surprisingly good added to omelets or tossed into grain bowls the next day.
Italian Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs frozen green beans
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Add the frozen green beans to a large skillet with a small splash of water.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until the green beans are tender.
- Drain off any excess water from the skillet.
- Add the butter and Italian seasoning, stirring until the butter melts and evenly coats the green beans.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving dish and finish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.
If you make these Italian green beans, I hope they earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation! They’re simple, dependable, and one of those sides that goes with just about everything. As always, feel free to leave a comment or rating if you try them. I love hearing how these recipes show up at your table!
