Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

$- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed to even lengths - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) You will need a few simple tools to make this dish. Here’s what I use: - Large mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Parchment paper (for easy cleanup) - Oven (preheated to 400°F) - Knife and cutting board (for trimming asparagus and mincing garlic) Garlic Parmesan roasted asparagus is not just tasty; it is also good for you! Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving (about 1 cup): - Calories: 150 - Protein: 5g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 11g - Fiber: 5g - Vitamin K: 57% of the daily value - Vitamin A: 20% of the daily value This dish is low in calories and high in vitamins, making it a great choice for a healthy side dish. Enjoy this nutritious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven hot and ready for roasting. Next, take 1 pound of fresh asparagus and trim the ends to make them even. This will help them cook uniformly. In a large bowl, mix the trimmed asparagus with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. If you want a little heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything well so each stalk is coated with oil and seasonings. Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the sheet. This ensures they roast evenly. Next, sprinkle 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus. Make sure each piece gets some cheese for a rich flavor. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want the asparagus to be tender but still slightly crispy at the tips. Once the asparagus is roasted to your taste, take it out of the oven. Zest a fresh lemon over the top for a bright flavor. This adds a refreshing kick that complements the cheese. If you want, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and extra taste. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus right away. Enjoy this healthy side dish! To make the best Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, start with fresh asparagus. Look for bright green stalks that are firm and straight. Trim them to even lengths. This helps them roast evenly. Use a large bowl to mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper with the asparagus. Toss well until every piece is coated. This coating adds flavor and helps with roasting. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You want your asparagus to be tender yet crisp. After 15-20 minutes in the oven, check for doneness. The tips should be slightly crispy and the stalks tender. If they look a bit golden, that’s a good sign. Use a fork to pierce a stalk. If it goes in easily, they are ready. You can always roast them a few more minutes if needed. To elevate the dish, add fresh lemon zest right after roasting. This brightens the flavors. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and taste. If you enjoy spice, consider adding red pepper flakes before roasting. This gives a nice kick to the dish. Experiment with these garnishes to find your favorite flavor combinations! Pro Tips Use Fresh Asparagus: Always opt for fresh asparagus, as it will have the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green stalks that are firm and straight. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For even roasting, make sure to arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting. Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your asparagus while roasting; thinner stalks may cook faster than thicker ones. Aim for a tender-crisp texture for the best bite. Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or paprika, to create unique flavor profiles that complement your meal. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Instead of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano. It has a sharper taste that can bring a new twist. You can also use Grana Padano for a milder flavor. For a creamy touch, consider using mozzarella. Experiment and find your favorite! Mixing in other veggies makes this dish even better. Try adding cherry tomatoes for sweetness. You can also include bell peppers for a little crunch. Carrots or zucchini are great for extra color and nutrition. Just cut them to match the asparagus size for even cooking. If you like heat, boost the spice! Add more red pepper flakes for a stronger kick. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper for extra warmth. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. These additions will give your dish a bold twist that wakes up the taste buds! Store your leftover Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus in an airtight container. Let the asparagus cool before sealing the container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps the asparagus crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. If you want to freeze your asparagus, it's best to do it before cooking. Blanch the trimmed asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes. Then, quickly transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pack in freezer bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, roast it directly from frozen. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, fresh asparagus gives the best taste and texture. Frozen asparagus may become softer when cooked. If you use frozen, thaw it first and pat it dry. This helps keep the dish from getting too watery. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken, baked fish, or a hearty steak. It also goes great with pasta or a creamy risotto. Add it to your favorite salad for a fresh crunch. To cut asparagus, hold each stalk and bend it gently. It will snap at the right point. This removes the tough part of the stalk. After snapping, cut the remaining stalks to even lengths. Aim for about six inches long for even cooking. In this guide, we explored how to prepare and roast asparagus. We covered the best ingredients, tools, and nutritional facts. You learned the step-by-step process for perfect roasting and how to add your own touch. Tips helped you enhance flavors, while variations offered creative options. We also discussed how to store leftovers effectively. Enjoy making this tasty dish. You’ll love the rich flavors and the many ways to change it up. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

A delicious side dish featuring tender asparagus roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed to even lengths
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1.33 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for roasting.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed asparagus with the olive oil, minced garlic, a generous pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a hint of heat, add the red pepper flakes as well. Toss the asparagus until every stalk is evenly coated in the mixture.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then lay the coated asparagus in a single, even layer on the sheet.
Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus spears, ensuring they are well-covered for that delightful cheesy flavor.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are tender, yet slightly crispy on the tips, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Once roasted to your liking, remove the asparagus from the oven and immediately zest fresh lemon over the top. This will add a refreshing brightness that's hard to resist.
For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve your delicious Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus immediately, either on its own or as a delightful side dish.

Notes

Arrange the asparagus neatly on a serving platter and drizzle with a little extra olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flair before serving.

Keyword asparagus, garlic, Parmesan, roasted, side dish, vegetable