Print

Irresistible Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Parmesan

roasted asparagus with lemon parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy roasted asparagus side dish featuring fresh lemon zest and Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus (450g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse 1 pound (450g) of fresh asparagus under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Trim off the tough woody ends, about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) from the bottom.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the asparagus with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Flip the asparagus halfway through roasting (around 7 minutes) for even cooking. The stalks should be tender but still have a slight snap with some golden spots.
  6. Immediately after roasting, zest 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon over the asparagus, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sprinkle 1/4 cup (25g) of freshly grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  7. Gently toss or use tongs to mix and coat the asparagus with the lemon-Parmesan mixture. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat asparagus dry before oiling to avoid steaming. Do not add lemon juice before roasting to prevent mushiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes after adding Parmesan. Adjust roasting time for thicker stalks.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted asparagus, lemon parmesan asparagus, easy asparagus recipe, side dish, healthy vegetables, quick asparagus recipe