As the weather warms up, our taste buds crave lighter, fresher flavors to match. And what’s more refreshing than a plate of perfectly cooked asparagus? This springtime staple can be enjoyed in countless ways, and we’ve gathered 18 easy and quick asparagus recipes that are perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a main event, these recipes showcase the versatility of this popular vegetable.
From classic sautéed asparagus with garlic butter to innovative pairings like spicy sesame noodles and goat cheese tart, we’ve got you covered. These quick and delicious recipes will have you enjoying asparagus all year round, without sacrificing flavor or time.
Garlic Butter Sautéed Asparagus
Elevate your springtime meals with this simple and flavorful recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side to your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the asparagus to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Brighten up your meal with this flavorful and easy-to-make side dish! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of asparagus with the tanginess of lemon and the richness of parmesan cheese, resulting in a deliciously well-rounded flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus spears
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, followed by lemon juice.
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Quick Asparagus and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Get ready for a flavorful and healthy stir-fry that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines tender asparagus, savory mushrooms, and aromatic garlic for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (3-4 minutes).
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the asparagus and cook until tender but still crisp (3-5 minutes).
5. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Asparagus Spears
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar + 1 tablespoon honey)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. While the asparagus is roasting, whisk together balsamic glaze (or mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey) and 1 tablespoon water.
7. Remove the asparagus from the oven and brush with the balsamic glaze mixture.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
One-Pan Asparagus and Chicken Skillet
This recipe combines the flavors of chicken, asparagus, and garlic in a single pan, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy households.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and asparagus to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spicy Sesame Asparagus Noodles
Add a kick to your noodle game with this flavorful and spicy dish that combines tender asparagus, savory sesame oil, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. noodles (linguine or soba work well)
– 1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp. sesame oil
– 1 tsp. grated ginger
– 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender.
3. Add ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional minute.
4. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss with asparagus mixture. If using garlic, add it now and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Speedy Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart
This tart recipe combines the sweetness of fresh asparagus with the tanginess of goat cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 12 oz asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté asparagus until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Arrange asparagus on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles over asparagus.
6. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or square shape.
7. Brush edges with a little water and press gently to seal.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Air Fryer Crispy Asparagus Fries
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this easy recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Asparagus Fries! With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a delicious and healthy twist on traditional fries.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
3. Load the asparagus into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until crispy, shaking halfway through.
5. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Quick Asparagus and Bacon Pasta
A delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the simplicity of asparagus with the smokiness of bacon, all wrapped up in a light and creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add asparagus and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until asparagus is tender.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook until reduced by half.
5. Combine cooked pasta, bacon, and asparagus mixture in a large serving bowl.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Asparagus and Quinoa Salad
This refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of asparagus with the nutty flavor of quinoa, perfect for a light and healthy meal or snack. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe is ideal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grilled asparagus, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using feta cheese, crumble on top.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Speedy Asparagus and Egg Scramble
Start your day with a burst of freshness and flavor from this quick and easy recipe that combines the tender crunch of asparagus with the creaminess of scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well-beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Pour in the egg mixture and stir gently to distribute evenly.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until eggs are set to your liking.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and cook until melted.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
This recipe is a perfect blend of bright citrus flavors and savory garlic notes, paired with the natural sweetness of asparagus. It’s an easy and impressive dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. While the shrimp is cooking, toss asparagus with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
5. Serve the shrimp with roasted asparagus and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Quick Asparagus and Cheese Omelette
Elevate your breakfast game with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Whip up a delicious omelette filled with tender asparagus and melted cheese in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until lightly frothy.
2. Heat the butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook for about 30 seconds, until the edges start to set.
4. Arrange the asparagus pieces on half of the omelette.
5. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the asparagus.
6. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelette over the filling.
7. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Speedy Asparagus and Potato Hash
A flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of asparagus with the earthiness of potatoes, perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread asparagus on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
6. Once asparagus is done, add it to the skillet with potatoes and stir to combine.
7. Squeeze lemon juice (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Easy Asparagus and Ricotta Flatbread
Easy Asparagus and Ricotta Flatbread Recipe
This simple flatbread recipe combines the natural sweetness of asparagus with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or light meal. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this dish is a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup of fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place the asparagus on one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the other half of the dough.
6. Fold the other half of the dough over the asparagus to form a triangle or rectangle.
7. Brush the crust with a little water and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Asparagus and Tomato Bruschetta
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the crunch of asparagus, and the richness of garlic on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. In a small bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble bruschetta by topping toasted bread with roasted asparagus, tomato mixture, and a sprinkle of chopped basil (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Speedy Asparagus and Chicken Stir-Fry
This speedy stir-fry recipe is a quick and flavorful way to get your daily dose of veggies and protein on the table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, then add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add asparagus and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
5. Return chicken to skillet and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Asparagus and Avocado Toast
A deliciously healthy breakfast or snack option that combines the natural sweetness of asparagus with the creamy richness of avocado on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 6-8 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
– 2 slices whole grain bread (toasted)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat toaster or toaster oven to toast the bread.
2. Toss asparagus with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and grill in the toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
3. Spread mashed avocado on toasted bread slices.
4. Top each slice with grilled asparagus spears.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Summary
Get ready to add some green to your plate with these 18 easy and quick asparagus recipes perfect for busy nights. From garlic butter sautéed asparagus to air fryer crispy asparagus fries, there’s something for everyone. Try one-pot wonders like asparagus and mushroom stir-fry or asparagus and chicken skillet, or go for a light and refreshing option like simple asparagus and quinoa salad. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, these recipes will have you enjoying the delicious taste of asparagus in no time.
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