Description
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes blend Mediterranean flavors with simple roasted vegetables. Crisp asparagus and juicy tomatoes create a quick side dish that delivers fresh garden goodness with a savory cheese finish you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 7 large thin basil leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Balsamic reduction (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Arrange trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, strategically placing halved cherry tomatoes around the green stalks.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the vegetables, ensuring even coating.
- Evenly distribute minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the asparagus and tomatoes.
- Gently tear fresh basil leaves into smaller fragments and sprinkle them over the seasoned vegetables.
- Liberally coat the vegetables with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a light but complete coverage.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until asparagus becomes tender, tomatoes soften, and cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and enhance the roasted vegetables with a delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction.
- Transfer the aromatic, cheese-crusted vegetables to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while warm and at peak flavor.
Notes
- Roasting vegetables at high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a deeper, sweeter flavor profile that transforms ordinary asparagus and tomatoes into an extraordinary side dish.
- Using parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents vegetables from sticking, making this recipe a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add layers of aromatic and savory notes that elevate the simple roasted vegetables into a gourmet-style accompaniment.
- Cooking time varies slightly depending on the thickness of asparagus spears, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and maintain a crisp-tender texture.
- Balsamic reduction provides a tangy, sweet finish that complements the roasted vegetables’ natural sweetness and adds a professional restaurant-style touch.
- This versatile dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian option, making it an ideal recipe for multiple meal scenarios.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg