Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese and Prosciutto
Roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese and prosciutto just has to be the best way to prepare asparagus. It only takes five ingredients!
Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese
There’s no doubt that asparagus makes the easiest side. I’m always looking for new ways to prepare asparagus. Even though asparagus is one of those vegetables that require very little to make it tasty, I still like to switch it up for something a little more elegant.
Like roasting asparagus with Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and pine nuts. I mean how good does that sound?
Parmesan and prosciutto add a savory component to the sweet asparagus and pine nuts add a tasty crunch. It’s quick, easy, elegant, and pairs with almost every dish. It has become one of my absolute favorite side dishes ever.
Best Asparagus Tips
Before we jump into the recipe, here are a few tips to guarantee that you cook up the best-tasting asparagus.
Buying Asparagus
- When shopping for asparagus, pick thick spears. They make a better choice for roasting.
- Look for plump, straight stems, and avoid dry or excessively woody ends.
- Pick vibrant green color asparagus with a small amount of white at the bottom of the spear.
Cleaning Asparagus
- Remove the rubber band that holds the stalk together and rinse the asparagus under cold water, thoroughly cleaning the tips where sand and dirt can get stuck.
- Working with one stalk at a time, gently snap off the bottom inch or so with your fingers. The stems will naturally break where the tough woody part ends and the tender stem begins.
- Peeling the asparagus is totally optional. If you have really thick asparagus, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel the thin outer layer of the bottom of the stem.
Checking Asparagus for Doneness
- To check asparagus for doneness, pierce the thicker part of the ends with a knife. It should be slightly tender, with a slight crunch. Also, the tips should be slightly browned.
- Keep in mind asparagus will continue to cook after you’ve removed it from the oven.
How to Cook Asparagus
You will need the following ingredients to make oven-roasted asparagus:
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Prosciutto
- Parmesan cheese
- Pine nuts
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice, optional
Before you get started, have all of your ingredients washed, measured, and chopped.
Step 1: Preheat oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. For easy clean-up, line a 17 X 12-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
Step 2: Toss with oil. In a single layer, place the cleaned and trimmed asparagus on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss around to evenly coat.
Step 3: Add the toppings. Top the asparagus with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
Step 4: Bake. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and prosciutto crisps up. Right before serving, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the asparagus.
What Goes Good with Asparagus?
Roasted asparagus tastes absolutely delish right out of the oven or cold the next day over a salad. It pairs so well with so many different dishes too like these:
- Chicken and Quinoa in Mustard Sauce
- Cod in Creamy Red Roasted Pepper Sauce
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Roasted Herb Chicken
- Bruschetta Baked Cod with Panko
More Asparagus Recipes
- Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus
- Asparagus Lemon Risotto
- Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables
- Balsamic Salmon with Asparagus
- Creamy Orzo with Grilled Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
More easy vegetable side dishes to try: Asian Green Beans, Rosemary Garlic Potatoes, or Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts.
PrintAsparagus with Parmesan Cheese and Prosciutto
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese and prosciutto just has to be the best way to prepare asparagus. It only takes five ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bundle of asparagus, ends trimmed
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto, about 4 slices, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. pine nuts
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Do not overcrowd. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper. Toss around to evenly coat.
- Top the asparagus with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the prosciutto is crisp and asparagus tender. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving.
Notes
- Prosciutto is Italian dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced. You can find it at most grocery stores near the deli meats. It’s very salty so keep that in mind when salting the asparagus.
- Recipe adapted from the Food Network
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 317
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Sodium: 279.9 mg
- Fat: 28.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 10.5 g
- Cholesterol: 16.4 mg
Such a great recipe to make the most of asparagus. Lovely photo too.
Thank you!
What a delicious way to cook up and eat asparagus. I must try this recipe – good thing I have all the ingredients on hand!
I hope you like it Thalia! It’s so easy to put together 🙂
This looks amazing. Your photos are great. Love seeing the asparagus spears all lined up like that!
Thanks so much Liz 🙂
I am all for having asparagus ALL THE TIME. This looks like an awesome way to shake up my regular plain asparagus..
Thank you! I’m right there with ya! We love asparagus and this is one of my favorite ways to make it!