10-minute roasted lemon pepper asparagus is the easiest, most delicious side dish!
Asparagus is, I think, an-oft maligned food. Perhaps you’ve had it prepared poorly, or simply don’t know a way to prepare it that makes you want to actually, you know, eat it. Fair enough.
However, if either of those applies to you, you’re doing yourself a disservice, because asparagus is nutritious – vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, plus folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber. It can be truly delicious, goes so well with countless main dishes, and is SO easy to prepare. All major wins for the home cook.
Also, asparagus is said to be an aphrodisiac. So, there’s a hidden bonus for you. 🙂
Last but not least, asparagus is coming into peak season with early spring right around the corner, so the freshest and best bundles will be popping up in stores and markets.
How To Season Roasted Asparagus
It’s no secret that roasting veggies is a wonderful way to bring out their best flavor, not to mention a super simple and hands-off way to prep a side dish.
In fact, this is so simple, I almost hesitate to describe it as a recipe at all. But I always think back to my own process of learning to cook, and know that I’ve really relied on and benefited from reading “recipes” for even the simplest dishes. Because, well, if you don’t know how to make something, you don’t know!
All you really need to do to prepare asparagus this way is trim off the tough ends (unless your asparagus is “pre-trimmed;” much is sold this way, especially in large grocery stores), then spread it out on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle a bit of olive oil and seasoning, then roast at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.
I absolutely love to season this with a bit of kosher salt, Parmesan cheese, and lemon pepper seasoning. The lemon pepper adds such a nice pop of freshness, and pairs so well with chicken or pasta main dishes.
My favorite pairing is to roast this lemon pepper asparagus with lemon thyme chicken – together they make the perfect fast, easy, homemade dinner.
So get out there and scoop up all the asparagus you can while it’s good and fresh, and get your veggie roasting on!
More Ideas to Serve This With:
Lemon Thyme Chicken … Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake … 20-Minute Tortellini Soup … Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata … Pasta Alla Vodka
Enjoy! ♥
Roasted Lemon Pepper Asparagus
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 3-4 servings
One of the simplest and most delicious ways to prep a green veggie side.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (about 1 lb. or 500 grams) green asparagus
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). If necessary, cut the tough ends off of the asparagus stalks.
- Spread asparagus stalks on a large baking sheet in a single even layer. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan, lemon pepper, and salt.
- Roast for 8-10 minutes, until stalks can be easily pierced with a fork. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra-easy clean-up, line the baking sheet with aluminum foil before preparing asparagus. And voila: zero dishes to wash!
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This looks so good and will try it out! Is it good for Meal prep?
It would be OK to roast ahead of time and reheat, I do this all the time if we have leftovers, but it does lose a bit of texture. For the BEST results, I would recommend just prepping the asparagus (i.e. cutting off the ends) then roasting when you want to eat, if you can spare the 10 minutes or so! 🙂
This looks so good!! Do you make it on the grill too, or best to stick to roasting?
Hi Cindy – this would be terrific on the grill! I would probably wrap the asparagus with the same seasoning up in a bit of aluminum foil, then grill.
I’m so looking forward to all the Spring veg, asparagus is one of my favourites. Love this simple recipe Monica!
Thanks so much, Emily!
Hooray for spring! I love asparagus any way you cook it. The lemon really gives the asparagus a terrific brightness.
Agreed on all counts – especially regarding spring! Thanks so much, Leslie!
This is my favourite way to eat asparagus. It’s really good cooked in the slow cooker too.
Wow, I have never tried that and wouldn’t have thought to – off to Google for some recipes for that now!
Next level asparagus! Love the lemon pepper flavors here. I’ll be treating my family to this!
Haha – yes to next level sides! Thanks so much, Ginny!
Asparagus is always a great side dish! i love the lemon flavors you have!
Thanks so much, Haley!
The flavor combo is calling my name! Love it
Thanks, Suzy!