Once you try this parmesan roasted asparagus, you’ll never need another asparagus recipe again! Topped with melty cheese, crispy prosciutto, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish looks like it came straight from the kitchen of a five-star restaurant.

asparagus with parmesan cheese this recipe
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Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese

However, with minimal prep time and a quick cooking time, it’s secretly easy to make. As a result, it has become my go-to side when hosting dinners or holiday parties. It’s also the perfect addition to weeknight meals.

Not to mention, the savory, cheesy, salty flavor is absolutely out of this world! It always leaves my guests raving, and even my kids ask for seconds. Plus, it pairs well with pretty much any main course you can think of.

As a result, this asparagus recipe is a failproof option when you want an elegant side dish that’s guaranteed to impress a crowd. There’s a reason it has a five-star rating, after all!

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.
ingredients for oven roasted asparagus with parmesan

Parmesan Asparagus Ingredients

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

How to Make Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

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.

how to cook asparagus

Step 3: Add the toppings. Top the asparagus with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.

asparagus with parmesan cheese on baking sheet

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 to Serve with Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

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:

Parmesan Asparagus FAQs

Why is my oven roasted asparagus soggy?

The most common reason for roasted asparagus to become soggy is that it was overcooked. Be sure to keep a close eye on your oven, and remove the asparagus as soon as it’s tender!

Does asparagus get more tender the longer you cook it?

Yes, asparagus becomes tender as it cooks. However, if you cook it too long, it will no longer be tender but soft and mushy instead.

What spice or herb goes well with asparagus?

Due to its fairly neutral flavor, there’s not much that doesn’t pair well with asparagus. However, common herbs and spices used to season the veggie include garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and cumin.

recipe for roasted asparagus with parmesan

More Asparagus Recipes

Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Vegetable Orzo

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

More easy vegetable side dishes to try: Asian Green Beans, Rosemary Garlic Potatoes, or Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts. 

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asparagus with parmesan cheese

Parmesan Asparagus Recipe with Prosciutto

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Side
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

Roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese and prosciutto just has to be the best way to prepare asparagus. It only takes five ingredients! 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb. bundle of asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto, about 4 slices, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. pine nuts
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. 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.
  3. Top the asparagus with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
  4. 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