Roasted Asparagus Parmesan Lemon (Printable)

Tender asparagus tossed with Parmesan cheese and a zesty lemon finish, perfect for quick sides.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed

→ Oils & Seasonings

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - ½ tsp kosher salt
04 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese

05 - ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Finish

06 - 1 medium lemon, zest and juice separated
07 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Arrange trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat all spears.
03 - Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and tips are slightly caramelized. Cooking time may vary based on spear thickness.
04 - Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over hot asparagus and toss gently to melt and distribute evenly.
05 - Grate lemon zest evenly over the dish. Squeeze approximately 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half the lemon) over asparagus, adjusting to taste preference.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot for optimal texture and flavor.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those weeknight moments when you want something special without the fuss
  • The combination of salty Parmesan and bright lemon transforms asparagus into something people actually get excited about eating
02 -
  • Thin asparagus spears cook faster than thick ones, so adjust your roasting time based on what you find at the market
  • The cheese melts best when you sprinkle it immediately after removing the pan from the oven while the asparagus is still piping hot
03 -
  • Snap the asparagus ends instead of cutting them, they will naturally break where the woody part begins
  • Room temperature asparagus roasts more evenly than cold from the fridge