Roasted Asparagus

An overhead photo of roasted Parmesan Asparagus on a white platter.

Perfectly tender and yet slightly crisp Roasted Asparagus with garlic, lemon and Parmigiano Reggiano (aka authentic parmesan) is an amazingly delicious side dish. See note section below for tips in choosing the right asparagus, how to store and roasting times.

Course Vegetable/Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Parmesan Asparagus, Roasted Asparagus

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Servings servings

Calories 112kcal

Author Heather

Equipment

Sided Cookie Sheet Ensures the liquids stay within the pan.
rotary cheese grater Makes grating Parmigiano Reggiano very easy.
microplane Perfect for making small shreds of lemon zest.

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus *approximately 1 pound, see Note #1 below
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves
2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano *see Note #2 below
2 teaspoons lemon zest *from about 1 small lemon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425℉.
Remove rubber band from asparagus bunch and rinse the asparagus well. Let sit to drain while preparing oil mixture.
Whisk together oil, garlic, salt and black pepper.
Break or snap off the tough woody ends of the asparagus spears.
Place asparagus onto a sided cookie sheet and pour oil mixture evenly over the asparagus.
Using hands gently toss the asparagus making sure each spear is coated with oil.
Line the asparagus in a single layer on the cookie sheet.
Roast the asparagus in a preheated 425℉ oven following the roasting times below and making sure to stir halfway through roasting.
Thin Asparagus– 8-10 minutes
Medium Thick Asparagus– 11-14 minutes
Thick Asparagus– 15-20 minutes.
Once roasted transfer asparagus immediately to a platter. Pour excess juices from cookie sheet over asparagus. Top with lemon zest and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Recipe Notes

Note #1- For the video this recipe was doubled. For people who love asparagus, use 1/2 pound per person and for everyone else aim for 1/4 pound per person.

Choosing the Right Asparagus

Fresh asparagus should be firm to the touch and stand upright. Also it should be bright green with tips that have a purple hue.

How to Store Fresh Asparagus

The best way to store asparagus is to trim approximately 1/2-1 inch off of the bottom of the stalks. Once trimmed, store upright in a wide mouthed glass jar or drinking glass with a few inches of water in the refrigerator.

Note #2- Parmigiano Reggiano is true authentic parmesan cheese that comes in block form and an amazing flavor and texture. Costco has the best price on authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.

Nutrition