5.0 from 21 votes
Olive Garden Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
A restaurant-quality asparagus side dish with creamy Parmesan sauce and balsamic glaze
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 192 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- 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 Information
Calories
192kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0.02g
Cholesterol
37mg
(12%)
Sodium
660mg
(28%)
Potassium
324mg
(9%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1352IU
(27%)
Vitamin C
21mg
(23%)
Calcium
96mg
(10%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 192
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 192kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 660mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 324mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1352IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.