Hello, friends! It’s Clara from Cooking Inspired, and I’m always on the lookout for those simple, flavorful side dishes that can jazz up any meal. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for garlic parmesan roasted asparagus. This recipe is not only quick—ready in under 15 minutes—but it’s also incredibly easy, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things. Trust me, this garlic parmesan roasted asparagus will become a family favorite in no time!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
You might be wondering, “Why should I try this asparagus recipe?” Well, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
- Quick Cleanup: This recipe requires minimal cleanup, meaning more time for you and less time scrubbing dishes.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, perfectly complemented by the garlic and parmesan.
- A Great Way to Get Your Veggies In: Sneaking in those greens has never been easier or more delicious!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable side:
- 1/2 pound fresh asparagus
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2-3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
- olive oil spray
When it comes to asparagus, sourcing high-quality, fresh spears makes all the difference. Also, keep in mind that aged parmesan will offer a sharper, more intense flavor, while fresh parmesan is milder and creamier. Choose based on your preference!
How to Prepare Asparagus
Alright, let’s talk asparagus prep. It’s crucial to trim the asparagus properly to avoid those tough, woody ends.
To do this, hold an asparagus spear in the middle, and gently bend it near the bottom. It will naturally snap at the point where the tough part begins. You can either snap each spear individually or line them up and cut them all at once using a knife, using the first spear as your guide. Removing these ends ensures that every bite is tender and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this amazing dish:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- Rinse and Trim: Rinse the asparagus and trim off those woody end pieces as we discussed. Spread the spears out in a thin layer on top of the prepared cookie sheet.
- Season Generously: Spray the asparagus lightly with a coat of olive oil spray. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Mix and Bake: Use your hands to mix the asparagus with all of the ingredients, ensuring everything is well coated. Then, lay them out into an even layer again. Spray with one more light coat of olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Tips and Notes for Perfect Roasted Asparagus
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your asparagus turns out perfect every time:
- Thick vs. Thin Spears: If you’re using thicker asparagus spears, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Conversely, thinner spears might cook faster, so keep a close eye on them.
- Preventing Soggy Asparagus: To prevent your asparagus from becoming soggy, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Overlapping spears will steam instead of roast, similar to how we prepare Vibrant Roasted Root Vegetables for optimal texture.
- Selecting Fresh Asparagus: When choosing asparagus, look for firm stalks with tightly closed tips. Avoid spears that appear limp or have open, feathery tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but here’s how to avoid some common ones with this recipe:
If you find that the parmesan is starting to burn before the asparagus is cooked through, simply lower the oven temperature slightly and continue baking until the asparagus is tender. You can also tent the baking sheet with foil to protect the cheese.
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
| Variation | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Bright and Zesty | Lemon zest |
| Spicy Kick | Red pepper flakes |
| Cheesy Twist | Pecorino Romano cheese |
Alternative Cooking Methods
While roasting is my favorite, here are a couple of other ways to cook your asparagus:
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Grilling: Brush asparagus with olive oil, season, and grill over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic parmesan roasted asparagus is incredibly versatile! It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great addition to pasta dishes or as a side for a simple weeknight meal, perhaps alongside a comforting dish like our Amazing Sweet Potato Casserole or a refreshing Quick & Easy Salad with Apples and Walnuts.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven or air fryer to maintain the texture.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 6g
Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories: 80, Fat: 5g, Protein: 4g, Carbs: 6g
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Rinse the asparagus and trim off the woody ends by snapping or cutting where the spears naturally break. Pat dry and spread the spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the asparagus lightly with olive oil spray. Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Use your hands to gently toss the asparagus so all spears are well coated with the oil, garlic, and parmesan. Spread back into an even, single layer and spray with one more light coat of olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–9 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately as a side dish with your favorite protein or pasta.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use pre-shredded parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated parmesan will melt and taste better
What other seasonings can you add?
Try adding lemon pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.
Can you use olive oil instead of olive oil spray?
Absolutely. Just drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the asparagus.
How do you keep asparagus fresh?
Store asparagus standing up in a jar with about an inch of water in the refrigerator.
When is asparagus in season?
Asparagus is typically in season in the spring, from February to June.
What’s the best parmesan cheese to use?
I recommend using Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it: a simple, flavorful, and quick recipe for garlic parmesan roasted asparagus that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your questions, share your own variations, or post photos of your delicious results. Happy cooking!
