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Oven roasted asparagus is the ultimate simple side dish for busy weeknights or special dinners—crisp-tender asparagus spears kissed with olive oil, bright lemon, and savory Parmesan make this roasted asparagus recipe one you’ll want on repeat every spring (and beyond!).
For more simple veggie side dishes, try my Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Creamed Spinach. (Who knew veggies could be so good?!)
Why you’ll love this Parmesan roasted asparagus recipe!
Spring is in the air, and if you’re a veggie lover, that can only mean one thing: asparagus season! While asparagus can be steamed and sautéed, I think roasting is definitely the best way to cook asparagus. It brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable and makes it nice and crispy on the ends. So good! It’s one of the best asparagus recipes if you ask me.
From start to finish, this roasted asparagus recipe is done in just under 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight side dish. Plus, kids love helping snap the woody parts off of the asparagus spears, so you can enlist a little help. This is one of my favorite recipes to make in June, before asparagus isn’t in season anymore!
- Ready in 20 minutes: Perfect for busy nights.
- Crispy edges with tender centers: Use my tips below and your asparagus will never be mushy!
- Goes with everything: Great pairing with weeknight mains (pasta, chicken, salmon).
- Easy to customize: Add herbs, lemon zest, extra cheese, or come up with your own variation!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Asparagus spears – You can remove the woody ends by bending the asparagus near the bottom of each spear; it will naturally break off where the stem becomes tough. Learn how to cut asparagus before you begin.
- Garlic cloves – For bold, savory flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds umami depth—freshly grated melts best.
- Ground black pepper – Coarsely ground is key! It adds so much flavor to this recipe.
- Lemon juice – You’ll need juice from only half a lemon. Here are some ideas for using the other half!
Variations
- Garlic Lemon Asparagus: Add minced garlic + extra lemon zest.
- Herb Parmesan: Toss with thyme or rosemary before roasting.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Add balsamic glaze after roasting.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts.
How to Make Oven Roasted Asparagus
- Season: Toss the asparagus spears with all of the ingredients except the lemon juice in a large bowl or dish.
- Bake: Transfer the asparagus to a sheet pan and roast at 425ºF for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the tips are just beginning to char and there are some brown spots on the spears, but the asparagus is still tender-crisp.
- Add the Lemon: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the asparagus
- Serve: Toss to coat, then serve.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Parmesan roasted asparagus recipe with:
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat: You can reheat roasted asparagus in the oven, microwave, or in a skillet on the stovetop. You can also eat it cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your asparagus is mushy, it was either too wet before you put it in the oven (make sure you dry it well after washing it and before tossing it with the oil and seasonings!) or you cooked it too long. Keep in mind, too, that thinner asparagus will have a shorter cooking time, so if your asparagus is thin, check it for doneness after 8 minutes.
Yes, you should always give asparagus a good wash! But as mentioned above, it’s also really important that you let it dry before roasting it. Roasting is a dry cooking method, so if the asparagus is wet when you put it in the oven, it will steam instead.
Either is fine—snapping reveals natural break; cutting allows more even presentation.
Yes. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3–4 days and reheat gently.
More Asparagus Recipes You’ll Love
Main Dishes
One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus
Casseroles
Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Kitchen Tips
How To Make Asparagus Taste Like a Restaurant’s
Recipe Roundup
31 Delicious Spring Recipes That All Use Fresh Asparagus
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Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus spears woody ends removed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- juice of ½ a lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F.
- Toss asparagus spears with all remaining ingredients except for the lemon juice.
- Arrange spears in a single layer onto a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 13-15 minutes until al dente.
- Toss with lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
- Single layer matters: This prevents steaming and ensures browning.
- Thin vs. thick spears: Check thinner spears for doneness at ~8–10 min; thicker ~15–20.
- Dry the asparagus well: If it’s damp, it will steam instead of getting crisp.
This was so simple to make! Loved it!