If you love Olive Garden’s delicious flavors, you’re going to love this Parmesan Roasted Asparagus! Tender asparagus spears are roasted to perfection with a crispy, cheesy topping, making the perfect side dish for any meal.
Olive Garden’s Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your table.
Fresh asparagus spears are roasted to perfection, enhancing their natural sweetness while developing a slight crisp. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor with a golden, crispy finish that makes every bite irresistible.
This easy-to-make dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta, or seafood, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Olive Garden experience or just looking for a delicious way to enjoy asparagus, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Full of Flavor – Roasted asparagus with rich, savory Parmesan.
- Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like Olive Garden’s version.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins and low in carbs.
- Versatile Side Dish – Pairs well with many main courses.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh asparagus – Tender, crisp asparagus spears for roasting.
- Olive oil – Helps roast asparagus to golden perfection.
- Kosher salt or Sea Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Gives the sauce a savory, cheesy taste.
- Lemon (optional) – Adds a bright, citrusy freshness to balance flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes (optional)– A pop of color and juicy sweetness.
How To Make Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Step One – Wash and trim the tough ends off 1 pound of fresh asparagus. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Step Two – In a bowl or large Ziploc bag, toss the asparagus with olive oil and salt until evenly coated.
Step Three– Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and set cook time for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
Step Four (Optional Sauce)– In a small saucepan, reduce the balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it thickens slightly. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
Step Five– Drizzle the balsamic Parmesan sauce over the roasted asparagus. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe Tips
- Fresh Asparagus: Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and flavor. Look for firm, bright green stalks with closed tips.
- Trim the Stems: Always trim the tough ends of the asparagus. This helps avoid the woody texture that can be unpleasant when eating.
- Air Fryer Tips: Ensure you arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crispiness.
- Check for Crispiness: Air fryer times may vary depending on the thickness of your asparagus. If you prefer extra crispy asparagus, cook for an additional minute or two.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with adding garlic powder, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. You can also drizzle some olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds a beautiful pop of color and extra flavor when garnished with the finished dish.
- Make it Extra Creamy: If you prefer a creamier version, drizzle some extra heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese into the sauce before serving.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its flavor and texture, refrigerate promptly after serving.
- Freezing: Freezing asparagus after it’s been roasted may affect its texture, but you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover asparagus in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes for a crispy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes.
What To Serve With Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile side for any meal. It complements hearty mains like grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked salmon, and also goes perfectly with pasta dishes such as fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or a delicious bowl of soup. The rich, savory flavors of the roasted asparagus elevate any dish, making it the ideal addition to any meal.
Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the asparagus is done? The asparagus should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges. You can check by piercing a stalk with a fork to ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I make this recipe without Parmesan cheese? While Parmesan cheese adds great flavor, you can omit it if you prefer. You could also try using a different cheese like grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a similar taste.
What other seasonings can I add to the asparagus? Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or even crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Lemon zest or balsamic vinegar can also complement the asparagus beautifully.
Can I prepare the asparagus ahead of time? Yes! You can trim and coat the asparagus in oil and salt, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. Just pop it in the air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy it!
More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes
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- olive garden chicken marsala recipe
- olive garden creamy garlic sauce
- air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
- air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
- air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
- air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
- air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
- instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
- air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella
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Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for the sauce
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 1 lemon, optional
- 2 teaspoons chopped tomatoes, optional
Instructions
- Wash and trim the tough ends off 1 pound fresh asparagus Pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl or large Ziploc bag, toss the asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and set cook time for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
- (Optional Sauce): While the asparagus cooks, heat 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- (Optional Serving): Plate the roasted asparagus, drizzle with the balsamic Parmesan sauce, and garnish with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, optional lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons chopped tomatoes. Serve with a few slices of 1 lemon.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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