Italian Asparagus
Elevate your side dish game with Italian Asparagus, a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table in just 20 minutes. Tender asparagus spears are sautéed to perfection in aromatic garlic-infused olive oil, then brightened with a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest for a zesty kick. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese melts into the warm asparagus, creating a savory finish that's enhanced with a hint of black pepper and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Perfect as a quick, healthy side for weeknight dinners or as an elegant vegetable dish for special occasions, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients prepared with minimal effort. Serve warm with an extra wedge of lemon for a restaurant-worthy touch.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim the tough ends, approximately 1 to 2 inches from the bottom of the stalks.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half and juice one half, leaving the other half for garnish if desired.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Add the prepared asparagus to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the garlic and oil.
Season the asparagus with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Cook the asparagus for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
Turn off the heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the asparagus. Sprinkle the lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Toss everything gently to combine and transfer the asparagus to a serving dish.
Serve warm with an extra wedge of lemon on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
500 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.5 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 29 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 814 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.4 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 21.7 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 432 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 1029 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
