Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese Sauce is the perfect side dish to serve all year long, but especially during the spring and summer months. This vegetarian recipe is easily completed in less than 15 minutes and provides a healthy dose of essential vitamins and minerals. The broiling technique used to cook the asparagus ensures a tender, crunchy and vibrant dish.
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The health benefits of asparagus are innumerable, making it a highly nutritious option for a side dish, however it does require careful cooking techniques to retain its bright color and crunchy texture.
Using the broiler to quickly cook the asparagus, allows you to easily avoid any overly cooked, mushy textures, which sautéed asparagus is sometimes prone to do.
Asparagus is a wonderful side dish for those following a keto diet, as it is low in calories and carbohydrates, but provides many essential vitamins and minerals. Asparagus also happens to be high in iron and vegetable protein, which makes this side dish especially great for vegetarians.
If you like the sound of this recipe, be sure to check out my recipe for Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese and Almonds too! It is just as simple to make, enjoyable, and healthy to eat, however the prosciutto adds an extra savory saltiness, which is super crave worthy as well.
Why This Recipe Works
This side dish is so easy to prepare. It will be ready to eat in under 15 minutes and uses less than 10 ingredients total.
Toasted almond flour crumbs, fresh parsley and fragrant lemon zest enhance the incredibly cheesy, nutty flavor of the parmesan sauce used to top this dish. This creamy sauce perfectly complements the crunchy, broiled asparagus.
As written, this recipe is low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free which means Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese Sauce is an extremely versatile side dish to serve alongside any meal. There are only 3 net carbs per serving, and it would taste delicious paired with Creamy Lemon Artichoke Chicken for a complete, healthy meal which meets your dietary needs.
If you prefer, you can even swap out the almond flour for breadcrumbs. You may also use this recipe as a guide on how to broil asparagus, which you can then serve however you wish!
How To Broil Asparagus
Ingredients
- Use fresh asparagus and parsley for the best results.
- You can use regular bread crumbs in place of the almond flour, if desired.
The full recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prep!
Trim the last 1-2 inches off the end of the asparagus and discard.
Zest the lemon, shred the cheese and mince the parsley.
Create!
Melt butter in a small skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the almond flour with a pinch of salt and cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently, 3-5 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: keep a very close eye on the almond flour as it can go from lightly toasted to burned fairly quickly.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and parsley. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe out the pan and set aside.
Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle on the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Position the top rack in the oven so that it is 5-6 inches below the broiler. Turn the broiler on and place the baking sheet with the asparagus under it.
Broil for approximately 5 minutes, undisturbed but watching closely, or until crisp-tender.
While the asparagus is roasting, add the heavy cream to the skillet or pot that was used for the bread crumbs and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. You may not need the full amount of cheese.
Present!
Serve asparagus topped with Parmesan cheese sauce and almond flour crumbs.
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh asparagus and parsley for the best results.
- You can use regular bread crumbs in place of the almond flour, if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-5 days.
FAQ’s
When Is Asparagus In Season?
April is generally the peak month for asparagus to be in season. It’s best to purchase between February and June, but can be typically be found in grocery stores all year long.
Asparagus should be firm, stand up straight when held up and have tightly closed tips. Shriveled, limp or spread out tips are signs that asparagus is longer fresh.
What Do You Serve With Asparagus?
Asparagus is a great side dish to many different types of main dishes. Here are some recipes that pair beautifully with asparagus:
- Easy Garlic Chicken
- Creamy Lemon Artichoke Chicken
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
- Maple Bourbon Salmon
- Broiled Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Pork with Parmesan Peppercorn Sauce
- Beef Stroganoff
- Easy Hollandaise Sauce (Blender Method)
- Roasted Garlic Hollandaise
More Spring Vegetable Side Dishes
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Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Toasted Almond Flour Crumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
Broiled Asparagus
- 1 pound asparagus (ends trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Toasted Almond Flour Crumbs
- Melt butter in a small skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the almond flour and a pinch of salt. Cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently, 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and parsley. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe out the pan and set aside.
Broiled Asparagus
- Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle on the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Position the top rack in the over so that it is 5-6 inches below the broiler. Turn the broiler on and place the baking sheet with the asparagus under it.
- Broil for approximately 5 minutes, undisturbed but watching closely, or until crisp-tender.
Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- While the asparagus is roasting, add the heavy cream to the skillet or pot that was used for the bread crumbs and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese until it’s creamy and smooth.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh asparagus and parsley for the best results.
- You can use regular bread crumbs in place of the almond flour, if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-5 days.
Shalini says
Ah, these look so good. Easy to make too! Loved the toasted almond!
Beth says
Yummy! My hubby and daughter are going to love this recipe! Looks so delicious and easy! Going to make this to go with our dinner tonight!
Tara says
What a flavorful springtime side! This asparagus looks absolutely amazing with that Parmesan cheese sauce over the top. Love the toasted almond flour crumbs too.
Sarah Holt says
I absolutely love asparagus and this cheese sauce made it even better! Definitely will be making again
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this with dinner tonight and it does not disappoint! So easy, flavorful, and light on the wallet! Easily, a new favorite side dish!