A Simple and Elegant Side Dish
Elevate your dinner plate with this Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan, a side dish that is as simple as it is elegant. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor and a delightful crispy texture. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet it delivers a sophisticated and delicious result that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, including the Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken. It’s a fantastic way to add more non-starchy vegetables to your diet in a way that feels like a treat.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures that it roasts evenly and gets crispy.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the Parmesan is golden and melted.
- If desired, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Health Benefits
Asparagus is a nutrient-dense, non-starchy vegetable that is an excellent choice for a diabetes-friendly diet. It is low in calories and carbohydrates but high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Asparagus is also a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate. The addition of Parmesan cheese provides a boost of protein and calcium, while the olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats. This side dish is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without impacting your blood glucose.
Estimated Nutritional Information
(Per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Net Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 3g

