Imagine transforming a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Sautéed Asparagus with Parmesan recipe is not just another side dish—it's a quick, elegant Italian-inspired creation that elevates humble asparagus into a gourmet experience. In just 15 minutes, you'll learn how to create a restaurant-worthy vegetable dish that's crisp, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cool running water, removing any dirt or debris.
- Trim the tough woody ends of the asparagus by holding each spear and gently bending it until it naturally breaks at the point where the tender part meets the tough stem.
- Pat the asparagus dry completely with clean paper towels to ensure proper sautéing and prevent oil splatter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Carefully place the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer in the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Sauté the asparagus, gently turning occasionally with tongs, for approximately 5-7 minutes until they become bright green and develop light golden brown caramelized spots.
- Season the asparagus with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste while cooking.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sautéed asparagus to a serving platter.
- Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot asparagus, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry the asparagus after washing to prevent oil splattering and ensure proper caramelization.
- Use a large, wide skillet to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of sautéing.
- Watch the heat carefully—medium-high is key to achieving those beautiful golden-brown spots without burning.
- Don't overcook! Asparagus should remain bright green and have a slight crunch.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
