Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
A restaurant-quality asparagus side dish with creamy Parmesan sauce and balsamic glaze
Servings 4
Calories 192kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare balsamic vinegar reduction by adding 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a small pot. Heat on high until the mixture boils, then turn down to simmer for 20 minutes. The reduction should yield 1/2 cup of vinegar. Store in an airtight container.
- Prepare asparagus by cutting off about 1 inch of the bottom end of the asparagus, lay asparagus on a sheet pan drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast on medium heat on a grill for about 10 minutes turning the asparagus over. Cooking time with vary with the thickness of the asparagus. Remove asparagus from grill when done. If desired squeeze 1/2 of a lemon over the asparagus. I do not think the Olive Garden does this, but I think it really helps to bring out the flavor of the asparagus.
- Prepare Parmesan sauce by adding heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese in a small pot or skillet. Simmer on low for about 10 - 12 minutes. The cream should reduce by 20% in volume.
- To serve, place some of the cooked asparaguses on a plate, drizzle balsamic vinegar on top. Garnish with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, and then serve with the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped tomatoes if desired.
Recipe Tips
The key to perfect asparagus is not overcooking it – you want it tender but still with a slight bite. If you don't have access to a grill, you can achieve similar results by roasting the asparagus in an oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes. For the richest flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. Store-bought balsamic glaze can be substituted for the homemade reduction if you're short on time, though the flavor won't be quite as complex.
Nutrition
Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1352IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 3mg
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