Elevate your side dish game with this Green Beans Aglio Olio—a vibrant and flavorful recipe that combines tender-crisp fresh green beans with the rich simplicity of garlic and olive oil. Inspired by the classic Italian pasta dish, this recipe features golden sautéed garlic, a touch of chili flakes for gentle heat, and a burst of freshness from lemon zest and juice. Quick to prepare and ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with grilled proteins or stands alone as a light appetizer. Optional parmesan cheese adds a luxurious finish, while the balance of zesty, savory, and spicy flavors makes this a crowd-pleasing addition to your table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or rustic gatherings, this Green Beans Aglio Olio will be your new go-to for an effortless yet elegant side.
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. Set them aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3–4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the chili flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with spice.
Raise the heat to medium and add the drained green beans. Toss them in the garlic-infused oil for 3–4 minutes, making sure they are evenly coated and heated through.
Season the green beans with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the green beans with lemon zest and lemon juice. If desired, garnish with grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve the Green Beans Aglio Olio warm as a side dish or a light, flavorful snack.
Calories |
585 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.5 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1348 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 12.6 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 319 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 987 mg | 21% | |
*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.