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! 

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Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese

There’s no doubt that asparagus makes the easiest side. I’m always looking for new ways to prepare asparagus as I fall into a rut of roasting it with olive oil and lemon pretty much every single time.

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 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 to Try:

• Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus
• Asparagus Lemon Risotto
• Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables
• Balsamic Salmon with Asparagus
• Creamy Orzo with Grilled Vegetables

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

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