Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Parmesan
⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes
This is one of those simple sides that somehow makes every dinner feel fresher and a little more complete. The lemon brightens everything, the garlic adds just enough bite, and that sprinkle of Parmesan at the end pulls it all together.
Bright, garlicky asparagus topped with lemon zest and a dusting of Parmesan—fresh, easy, and ready in minutes.
If I need a side that’s fast but still feels intentional, this is what I turn to. It’s super versatile—perfect alongside pasta, grilled chicken, fish, or even tossed into a grain bowl. The asparagus roasts just until tender with a little bite, and the lemon and garlic make it feel way more exciting than steamed greens ever could.
It also scales well. You can double it for a dinner party or halve it for a solo dinner. I sometimes even toss the leftovers into scrambled eggs or pasta the next day. And if you're dairy-free, it's just as lovely without the Parmesan or with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar hit of flavor.
You don’t need a lot of ingredients—just good timing. Keep an eye on the asparagus while it roasts so it stays bright and crisp instead of going mushy. Once it’s out of the oven, a final splash of lemon juice wakes the whole thing up.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~100
1 pound fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2
Place trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Spread the spears out in a single layer.
Step 4
Roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 5
Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve warm, garnished with extra zest or cheese if you’d like.
Make It Your Own
🧈 Add buttery richness
Swap olive oil for melted butter or ghee for a deeper flavor.🧄 Go bold with garlic
Add an extra clove or roast the garlic first for a more mellow vibe.🌱 Keep it dairy-free
Omit the Parmesan or sub in a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.🥓 Make it a little indulgent
Crumble crispy pancetta or bacon over the top for a savory upgrade.
