Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add Vegetables: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Combine with Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, mixing them with the sautéed garlic and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring well to combine.
Create Cheesy Goodness: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until it melts and coats the green beans evenly.
Add Cheddar and Parmesan: Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, mixing well until all the cheese is melted and gooey, creating a creamy sauce that clings to the vegetables.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. If you desire more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot as a decadent side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main.
Notes
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.