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.

A pan of sauteed asparagus with garlic and shaved parmesan.

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!
A pile of fresh asparagus ready to be turned into garlic sauteed asparagus with parmesan

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.

A close up of pan seared asparagus with garlic and parmesan cheese in a white pan.

What to serve with garlic parmesan asparagus

My preference is usually a simply prepared protein and a big green salad. Here are my favorites:

If you're feeling extra hungry, these Smoky Roast Potatoes are delicious!

This sauteed asparagus recipe in a white pan with black handles on a white table.

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Favorite asparagus recipes

A pan of sauteed asparagus with garlic and shaved parmesan.

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.

If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know with a 5-star rating!

4.89 stars (36 ratings)
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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
Serving: 1 serving = ¼ of the recipe, Calories: 107kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 119mg, Potassium: 474mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1770IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 142mg, Iron: 5mg
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This recipe is part of our Best Spring Side Dishes series.