Description
Crisp-tender roasted asparagus spears tossed with garlic, olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This easy side dish takes only 20 minutes to make and offers a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds asparagus spears
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears by bending them until they snap naturally, or cut off the bottom inch or two.
- Place trimmed asparagus in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add minced garlic. Toss until every spear is lightly coated.
- Arrange asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow for proper roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp and tips are slightly browned.
- Remove pan from oven and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot asparagus.
- Return to oven for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and make it golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and add optional toppings like lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs. Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh garlic rather than jarred or powder for best flavor. Grate Parmesan cheese yourself to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Do not crowd the pan, as this causes steaming instead of roasting. Add cheese only at the end to prevent burning. For thin spears, reduce roasting time to 8-10 minutes; for thick spears, increase to 14-16 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: garlic parmesan asparagus, roasted asparagus, easy side dish, gluten-free side, keto side dish, healthy vegetables, quick dinner