Description
Parmesan roasted asparagus with tomatoes and balsamic is a quick and easy side dish packed with flavor. Fresh asparagus is roasted to perfection with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a crispy layer of parmesan, then finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic reduction. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for any meal and comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shaved parmesan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 7 large basil leaves, sliced thin
- Balsamic reduction (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the tomatoes and garlic: In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with minced garlic. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat and set aside.
- Season the asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and place the stalks in a separate bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss until the asparagus is evenly coated.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the shaved parmesan over the asparagus, then spoon the tomato mixture over the top.
- Roast in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender, the tomatoes have softened, and the cheese has melted to a golden-brown perfection.
- Finish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the sliced basil over the tomatoes for a burst of freshness. Drizzle the entire dish or individual servings with balsamic reduction before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish to complement your favorite meals.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter balsamic reduction, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or agave before reducing it on the stove.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg