Oven-roasted asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that combines asparagus, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan Cheese. This perfect side dish is one of my go-to recipes for easy weeknight meals. It is delicious with grilled pork chops or grilled or baked chicken.
This super easy roasted asparagus is a delicious, healthy side dish with only five ingredients and fifteen minutes to prepare. I love to serve it with grilled chicken, stuffed manicotti, and New York strip steak.
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that you either love or love to hate! We love it! It is so incredibly easy to cook with and unbelievably healthy. This easy recipe is so full of flavor you will wonder why it has not been on your regular rotation for years.
I like to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as the flavor is out of this world. This easy side is perfect with pasta, fish, chicken, shrimp, eggs, and half a dozen other main courses.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
- Asparagus: Look for good-quality fresh asparagus stalks that are dark green, plump, and not shriveled, and clean, crisp (not soft or slimy) tips. Please see my section on properly storing asparagus.
- Olive oil: extra virgin
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan Cheese. It is flavor-packed, and it makes this recipe so tasty. You can substitute freshly grated asiago cheese.
- Garlic: fresh, of course
- Seasonings: salt and freshly ground black pepper. Other herbs and seasonings to use are Herbs de Provence, lemon pepper, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
How To Make Oven-Roasted Asparagus
This is the nutshell version. See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and instructions.
Start by washing, trimming, and drying your asparagus. Next, lay it out in a single layer on a sheet pan. Brush or drizzle with olive oil. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese over the top. Roast the asparagus for about 5 additional minutes or just until tender. The roasting time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Preparations Tips and Storage
- Add a half teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the olive oil if desired.
- Cook the asparagus just until they are tender, which is usually about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. It should be just fork tender.
- Plan on serving this dish fairly promptly. It is best served warm while it is just a teeny bit crisp. If desired, serve with a fresh lemon wedge for a spritz of fresh lemon juice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asparagus is similar to celery in that it needs moisture to stay crisp. To prevent the asparagus from drying out, store it stem side down in a little less than an inch of cool water, covered loosely with a plastic bag. Tall, thin measuring cups are great for this. Change the water daily; the asparagus is good for up to about a week in the refrigerator.
There are two ways to trim asparagus. One is to snap it. You bend the woody ends of the asparagus until they snap. The asparagus always seems to break right where the dry ends and the crisp, juicy begins.
The second method is relatively faster but perhaps less accurate. I use my eyes and intuition to determine where the dry end begins and cut the ends off in bulk. The length usually ends up being about 1.5 – 2 inches.
More Asparagus Recipes
Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus spears trimmed 1 bunch
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼-½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil. Roast for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese over the top. Roast the asparagus for about 5 additional minutes or just until tender.
- Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Cook the asparagus just until they are tender, which is usually about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. It should be just fork tender.
- Plan on serving this dish fairly promptly. It is best served warm while it is just a teeny bit crisp. If desired, serve with a fresh lemon wedge for a spritz of fresh lemon juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Sally
Mmmmmm, this is so good. I love asparagus and the garlic and parmesan is the perfect combo. Oven roasting brings out the natural flavor! Such a great dish for grilled steak or prime rib!
Melissa W
Ha, would you believe I have never roasted asparagus in an oven before. It was easy and delicious!. I love the simplicity of this recipe and I will make it again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melissa! I am so glad thata you liked it!
Bedabrata Chakraborty
My mother makes a similar dish with French beans and that is so tasty with rice and bread. I told her about this asparagus version and she is excited to try this too. Will let you know how it turned out.
Beth Pierce
Sounds like a plan! Enjoy!
Rosey
I thought i hated it because I’d only had it as a kid, in a can. My oldest son grew up and he’s an amazing cook. He made me fresh asparagus with a dinner he prepared and I’ve never looked back. It’s so good if you buy it fresh to make.
Stephanie Lynch
I’ve always made my asparagus in a similar way but in the stovetop. This is even easier!
Kristine
YUM! My sister and I are asparagus fans, and always looking for new ways to cook it. Ty!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Kristine!
Lisa
Great recipe! My kids and I love this asparagus recipe. It is delicious for holiday meals such as prime rib, grilled steak, and sauteed shrimp.
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Nicky
Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables and we all know this is very good as a side with steak. This recipe is so good! This is on repeat at our house!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Nicky! I am so glad that you like the asparagus!
Emily
I have asparagus in my fridge that I need to cook tonight. Now I know exactly how I’m going to prepare it – thank you!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Emily!!
Constance
I’m a big fan of recipes like this that let the flavor of the ingredient do the heavy lifting This was so easy and so delicious!
Beth
I always say that simple recipes are the best, and this one really highlights that. It’s so full of flavor without any hoops to jump through!
Beth Pierce
So true!
Maureen
We love asparagus in our neck of the woods! It’s such a great side dish while also a healthy one. This recipe is one of our favorites and it is perfect with steak, meatloaf, ham, and roasted pork.
Dena
Easy and delicious