Creamy Green Beans and Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Green Beans and Pasta, a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that combines tender pasta with crisp green beans in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This 35-minute recipe balances simplicity and elegance, featuring fresh green beans sautéed with aromatic garlic and tossed with al dente penne or fettuccine. A rich blend of heavy cream, butter, and chicken or vegetable broth creates the perfect luscious sauce, enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish is a one-pan masterpiece that’s equally delicious for family dinners or date nights at home. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking a creamy, veggie-packed meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 8 oz Fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the heavy cream. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta and green beans to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
552 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.5 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1107 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.0 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 258 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 209 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
