Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish recipe. The asparagus spears are fresh and flavorful and will be ready to eat in only 10 minutes.
Sauteed asparagus cooked crisp tender and is a little bit garlicky and a little bit cheesy and ridiculously delicious. This is what spring looks like!
This is an asparagus recipe that I've been making for years. It's quick to make and goes well with roast chicken or my favorite Juicy Baked Pork Chops.
Why you need to make this sauteed asparagus recipe
- Garlic and salty parmesan are all things delicious.
- It's fast enough to make for a quick weeknight side but pretty and tasty enough for a special occasion.
- Asparagus is the best in spring when the stalks are small and tender.
- Everyone needs more asparagus in their lives. #truth
- Sauteeing asparagus over high heat creates dark blistered spots. Read: lots of flavor!
How to buy asparagus
Springtime is always the best time to buy asparagus. But no matter when you're buying it, make sure to look for smaller stalks. Thick asparagus can be quite woody and hard to chew. Thinner is better.
Also, take a look at the tops of the spears. If they've started to wilt or look slimy, don't buy them.
How to prepare asparagus
The best way to prepare asparagus is to snap the tough ends off. Doing it this way takes a little more time but ensures that you remove the woody part.
If you're in a hurry, you can pile the asparagus together and cut all the ends off at once.
What to serve with garlic parmesan asparagus
My preference is usually a simply prepared protein and a big green salad. Here are my favorites:
- Juicy Baked Pork Chops
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Roasted Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Stuffed Spanish Pork Chops
If you're feeling extra hungry, these Smoky Roast Potatoes are delicious!
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Favorite asparagus recipes
- Asparagus Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Asparagus Cherry Tomato and Goat Cheese Breakfast Tart
- One Pan Lemony Greek Chicken with Potatoes and Asparagus
- Green Goddess Pizza with Asparagus
Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know with a 5-star rating!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lb asparagus, tough ends cut or snapped off
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once it's hot, add the oil and asparagus. Using tongs, toss the asparagus so that it cooks evenly. (Make sure the asparagus is completely dry before adding it to the pan to avoid any oil splatters)2 lb asparagus, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- After 3 minutes, add the garlic to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes more then remove the pan from the heat.3 cloves garlic
- Add the parmesan to the pan and toss the asparagus so it's coated in the cheese. Serve right away.1 ounce Parmesan cheese
This recipe is part of our Best Spring Side Dishes series.
Delicious I added fresh lemon juice and served with gluten free chicken. I’d like to try your pork chop recipe.
Easy and Delicious!
Cooked exactly like the recipe called for and we all loved the asparagus with the garlic and the parmigiana cheese. ??
Hot oil flew out of the skillet on “high heat” (per the recipe) as I put the asparagus in.I am suffering major burns on two hands. Who posts a recipe with high heat and adding oil and a vegetable? This is utterly careless.
It sounds like the asparagus was wet when you put it into the pan. It’s the water, not the vegetable, that will cause the oil to spit. I’m sorry that happened to you. I’ve had oil burns before from a similar experience and know that it’s not fun at all. I’ve made a note in the recipe to make sure that others know to dry the asparagus before adding it to the pan.
So good if I was the last person on earth thats what I would make
Thank you for a delicious, healthy twist on a classic. So simple, yet so flavorful! I added the cheese in the serving dish to avoid it sticking to the pan. Wonderful!
So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
Since my wife passed on I am having to learn to cook for myself. I like your baked pork chop recipe and the sauteed asparagus, but what about timing? Do I start the chops and do the asparagus while the chops are cooking? How long can either plate wait for the other without spoiling?
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss.
The pork chops and this recipe go really well together. I would get the pork chops in the oven first and then start the asparagus. They should be both done around the same time. If either need to sit at room temperature for a bit they’ll be just fine. 🙂
This is my new favorite asparagus recipe! Loved how easy it was to make and the whole family wanted more.
I’m so happy to hear the recipe was a hit!
This IS absolutely what Spring looks like! How can anyone not LOVE these lovely green stalks of goodness? As always, your photos look awesome! Makes me hungry.
Asparagus is SO good isn’t it? I’m always so happy for spring when I start to see it pop up at the grocery store again!
I can’t live without my cast iron skillet! I love this recipe. It looks light and super easy!
That skillet was one of the best purchases I’ve made in ages. Absolutely love it!!
Such a good feeling to be back home! 🙂 This is one of my favorite comfort foods too!
It’s totally great to be back in my kitchen!