There’s something about that bubbling, golden sauce on the stovetop while everyone’s laughing in the other room. That’s when it hits me—it’s not just about the turkey. This green bean dish has quietly become the one everyone asks for. Every. Single. Year.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the right boxes. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it looks like it came out of a restaurant kitchen.
The mix of crisp green beans, garlicky cream, and salty bacon feels festive without being fussy. Whether you need a Thanksgiving side or a cozy weeknight main, Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce never disappoints.
Also, it’s perfect for mixing things up if you’re tired of the usual green bean casserole.
Plus, it’s flexible. Serve it next to your turkey or spoon it over pasta for a meatless Monday win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- Green beans: Fresh and snappy. Trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Bacon: Go for streaky bacon for the most flavor. It crisps up beautifully.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, finely minced, but they bring so much depth.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated works best. It melts into the sauce and gives it a bold, nutty finish.
- Cream: Thick, heavy cream turns this into pure comfort.
- Stock: Either chicken or veggie. It helps tenderize the beans and adds savory depth.
Optional & Substitutions
Want to keep it vegetarian? Skip the bacon. Use butter instead, and for texture, try crispy shallots or pangrattato.
Lighter version? Use evaporated milk or light cream and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
No parmesan? A small dab of mustard can help add that punchy, tangy finish while thickening the sauce.
How to Make Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Step-by-Step Overview
Start with the bacon. Place it in a cold skillet, then turn up the heat. This renders more fat and gives you the crispiest bits. After 2–3 minutes, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Keep about 1½ tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. If there’s not enough, toss in a little butter.
Next, sauté the garlic. Stir it for 10–15 seconds until golden—it’ll smell amazing right away.
Now toss in your green beans. Stir them so they’re coated in that garlic-bacon goodness.
Add the broth, bring to a simmer, then cover. Let it cook for about 3 minutes until the beans are tender but still bright.
Pour in the cream and add the parmesan. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want it thicker, let it go for 1–2 more minutes.
Taste it. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with the bacon and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if you’re feeling it.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Always start bacon in a cold pan. It helps it crisp up evenly.
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools. So don’t overdo it on the stove.
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny splash of white wine with the cream.
Serving Suggestions
This dish plays well with all your holiday favorites. Serve it alongside roast turkey or Buttery Herb Stuffing – A Savory Holiday Classic.
As a main, it’s dreamy poured over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and Healthy. A chunk of crusty bread works too—don’t waste that sauce.
Going vegetarian? Use butter instead of bacon and top with crispy shallots or fried onions. It’s still rich and satisfying.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can cook the bacon and green beans earlier in the day. Just keep them separate in the fridge.
Reheat gently on the stove while you make the sauce. This keeps the cream from splitting.
Leftovers? They reheat well in a nonstick pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream if it’s too thick.
Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe Card
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Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce – Easy & Comforting
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting Thanksgiving side featuring crisp green beans in a garlic-parmesan sauce with crispy bacon bits.
Ingredients
150g / 5oz streaky bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
500g / 1lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy/thickened cream
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place chopped bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to high and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon.
2. Discard excess fat, leaving about 1½ tbsp in the skillet. Add butter if needed.
3. Add minced garlic. Sauté for 10–15 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Add green beans. Stir to coat in garlic-bacon fat.
5. Pour in broth. Stir, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes or until beans are tender-crisp.
6. Add cream, parmesan, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes to thicken.
7. Simmer 1–2 minutes more if a thicker sauce is desired.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving dish and top with reserved bacon and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Start bacon in a cold pan for best fat rendering.
The sauce thickens as it cools—don’t overcook.
Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and using butter or crispy shallots as topping.
Lighten it up with evaporated milk or light cream + cornstarch slurry.
Make-ahead tip: Cook bacon and green beans earlier in the day. Assemble sauce just before serving.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 379mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
More Such Recipes
If you’re into cozy, creamy sides, check these out too:
- Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan
- Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
- Buttery Herb Stuffing – A Savory Holiday Classic
- Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and Healthy
FAQ
Is Parmesan cheese good on green beans?
Yes, it’s a classic combo. Parmesan adds bold, nutty flavor and helps thicken the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can you put green beans in pasta sauce?
Absolutely. Just blanch them first so they stay tender-crisp. They add a nice crunch to creamy or tomato-based sauces.
How to thicken a creamy Parmesan sauce?
Simmer it a bit longer, or add a touch more parmesan. For a lighter version, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving tradition or just want something cozy and flavorful, try these Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce. They’re rich, comforting, and unexpectedly versatile.
Whether you serve them as a side or build a main around them, they always bring warmth to the table.
Try it soon, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating. I’d love to hear how it went in your kitchen.
And for more real-life recipe ideas, follow along on Pinterest or Facebook.