Description
This Roasted Asparagus Parmesan with Lemon Zest is a simple yet sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal. With tender-crisp asparagus, nutty Parmesan, and a burst of fresh lemon zest, it’s a delightful addition to your dining table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 cloves fresh garlic (optional, finely minced)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the asparagus stalks thoroughly under cool running water and trim the woody ends by snapping them or chopping off the bottom inch.
- Lay the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and toss to coat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, add minced garlic and toss again.
- Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly bright green.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus.
- Return the asparagus to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Immediately zest the lemon over the hot asparagus and, if desired, add a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Serve the Roasted Asparagus Parmesan with Lemon Zest hot on a serving platter.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Ensure not to overcrowd the pan for even roasting. Freshly grated Parmesan yields better flavor and texture than pre-grated. Adjust roasting times based on the thickness of asparagus stalks.