No blanching necessary for this quick and easy Sauteed Asparagus recipe. This Italian side dish is ready in just 15 minutes. The addition of garlic and lemon juice creates the best asparagus recipe.
Do you ever wonder why the simplest of foods always seem to taste so good?
The secret is simply to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Mediterranean cooking exemplifies this concept.
Sauteeing broccolini or zucchini, with garlic and high-quality olive oil, results in an unforgettable burst of flavor.
This stovetop asparagus recipe uses the same method.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this simple, classic Italian side dish.
Mise en place
Prep the asparagus: Grab the bottom and the middle part of each stalk and try to bend it, it should break naturally. If it doesn’t, it might not be as fresh as you think. You need about 1 pound for this recipe or about 15 spears.
Rinse under cold running water and set aside.
Prep the garlic: Crush about 3-4 garlic cloves with the side of your knife. Remove the papery skins and cut off the tips. Give them a coarse chop and set them aside. Feel free to adjust this amount based on your personal preference.
Instructions
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Add asparagus and saute for about 3-5 minutes. The size will determine the total time.
Taste for doneness. Should be crisp-tender.
Add chopped garlic cloves and continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly.
Add lemon juice and saute for another 30 seconds or so.
Remove from heat.
Add lemon zest and toss to combine.
If desired, garnish with grated cheese and serve.
Tips
- adjust the total cooking time to the size of your asparagus
- do not allow the garlic to burn
Nutrition
Asparagus is a nutrient powerhouse with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber! [source]
Whether you steam, boil, stir-fry, roast or even barbecue, their versatility allows them to be used in countless ways in so many recipes.
Tips for buying fresh
- depending on the variety, look for a bright color (green, purple or white)
- compact and tight tips
- firm stalks, that is, they should not be flexible
How to store asparagus
If you are not using right away:
- remove any elastic bands or ties wrapped around the base or the head of the stalks
- trim the bottoms (about 1/2 inch)
- wrap your stalks in damp paper towels and place loosely in a plastic bag OR place upright in a jar with 1 inch of water and refrigerate
- do NOT wash prior to refrigerating
- use within 2 days of purchase to ensure maximal freshness.
Simple asparagus recipes we love
Recipe origins
With all of the rituals associated with spring, my upbringing also had its’ share.
I can still remember all the excitement associated with Easter!
The day would begin by attending Easter Mass…my grandmother would spearhead this activity…she would round up her grandchildren and we would walk to church.
Easter also meant I would finally be allowed to wear my brand new “spring” dress and coat. This was a springtime tradition initiated by my mom for my sister and I. Regardless of the weather, we would always wear our new spring outfits.
Easter Day also meant we would finally be allowed to have all the wonderful baked goods my mom and grandmother had been preparing for the entire week.
Still to this day, my all-time favorite is my mom’s Rice Ricotta Easter Pie and of course my nonna’s Sweet Ricotta Easter Pie.
This sauteed lemon garlic asparagus would often be served at lunch as one of the contorno (side dish) served alongside Rack of Lamb and Oven Roasted Potatoes.
And where there is food, people will gather!
And so it was that family and friends would come over to celebrate Easter and I was ready because I had my pretty little dress.
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made this sauteed garlic asparagus recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Sauteed Asparagus -the Best Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus fresh, 15 spears, bottom trimmed and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 3-4 garlic cloves chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon Romano or Parmesan cheese grated, optional
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil.
- Add asparagus and saute for about 3-5 minutes. The total time depends on the size of the asparagus.
- Taste for doneness. Should be crisp-tender.
- Add chopped garlic cloves and continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly.
- Add lemon juice and saute for another 30 seconds or so.
- Remove from heat.
- Add lemon zest and toss to combine.
- If desired, garnish with grated cheese and serve.
Notes
- adjust the total cooking time to the size of your asparagus
- do not allow the garlic to burn
Nutrition
This post was originally published on March 27, 2016, and republished on March 22, 2020, with updated content and photos. Thanks for sharing!
Emily
So simple yet so delicious! This was such a crowd pleaser at our Christmas dinner and the perfect complement to the prime rib! Highly recommended!
Maria
Thanks so much for sharing Emily! So thrilled to read this.
Jamie
Try this with added slices of prosciutto crudo. Really delicious
Maria
Sounds delicious! Thanks, Jamie!
Louise Samson
Excellent! As with all your recipes, with vegetables or otherwise.
Asparagus remain a beautiful green and slightly crunchy. The Parmesan
adds just the perfect touch…
…but then, I knew that from just reading you.
Thank you, Maria!
Maria
Thank you so much for your kind words Louise. I am thrilled to read this!
Felisha
Delicious! Thank you!
Maria
My pleasure Felisha! Thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciate it!
Marietta
Hello Maria. I love reading your blog. You bring back so many good memories. I am now the “old” grandma but you take me back, like you, when grandma and I would walk to church and then come home to “feast”. My mom would always save me a piece of sausage while making the sauce. We ate “ronies” (macaroni/pasta) Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday….per our father. Amazing….I never was so thin….LOL! Wonderful memories and many of your recipes are very similar to ours. Thank you.
Maria
Thank you so much Marietta for your kind words. They mean a lot to me ♥ We are so lucky to have had such a wonderful upbringing…
I am also the “old” grandma… lol… it changes your perspective on life, doesn’t it?
Appreciate you taking the time to write.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
Oh yes, asparagus! Can’t wait to see them in the Farmers Market! Your recipe is a simple beauty, that highlights the fresh seasonal produce wonderfully!
Maria
Thanks so much Nicoletta! I also cannot wait to see asparagus in the Farmers Market… soon… very soon 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by ♥♥♥
Aimee Wimbush-Bourque
Asparagus needs nothing more than this – kudos for a simple recipe that truly spotlights the ingredients. 🙂
Maria
Thanks Aimee, can’t wait for the local asparagus to appear on the markets! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Allie | In This Kitchen
This is how I love asparagus too. Lemon and garlic and a little cheese. It is so simple and perfect!
Maria
Absolutely! Thanks for dropping by Allie 🙂
Sonia and mom
Hello Mary I make these so darn delicious thanks mary
Maria
Hi Sonia and mom! Isn’t asparagus just great!!! Appreciate the comment 🙂
Deb@glutenfreefarina
So perfect for spring! Fresh, simple and beautiful. Thanks Maria!
Maria
Thank-you Deb 🙂 Hope you had a great day!