Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon
An easy, flavorful side dish featuring tender roasted asparagus topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a squeeze of bright lemon juice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears (about 450g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 30g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the asparagus and pat dry. Snap or cut off the woody ends (about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom).
- Place the asparagus in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, tossing or shaking the pan halfway through. Thinner stalks may need 8 to 10 minutes. The asparagus should be tender with a bit of snap and caramelized spots.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the hot asparagus. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and sprinkle lemon zest if using.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Pat asparagus dry before roasting to avoid steaming and limp texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Add lemon juice only after roasting to keep asparagus crisp. Toss asparagus halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispness. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet and add fresh lemon juice to revive flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 pound aspa
- Calories: 110
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: roasted asparagus, Parmesan asparagus, lemon asparagus, easy side dish, quick vegetable recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy side