If your looking for an easy balsamic asparagus recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This Italian recipe is one of my favorite ways to flavor and cook my asparagus for just about any dinner!
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Recipe Summary
Like many of my Italian recipes, this one is flexible and adjustable to suit your tastes. I’ve been making this recipe in my kitchen for years, but often broil the asparagus. This time, I’m changing it up a bit and cooking it completely over the stove, start to finish.
This recipe serves about 3 to 4 people. I assume 3 to 4 stalks per person. It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, cook, and get on the table!
Ingredients
For this recipe you just need a few simple ingredients.
- Fresh asparagus stalks. Make sure to rinse them and chop off the tough ends.
- Balsamic vinegar. I recommend a nice quality one that is mostly balsamic vinegar, not watered down with red wine vinegar.
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Romano cheese. Parmesan will work as well, but may not have as sharp of a taste.
Equipment Needed
Step by Step Instructions
For exact measurements check out the recipe card below. These steps will explain what’s involved in making this asparagus dish.
Step 1. Wash the asparagus and cut off the tough ends.
Step 2. In a medium saute pan, add the asparagus stalks and cover halfway with water.
Step 3. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8 minutes or until the stalks are fork-tender and bright green.
Pro Tip: If the water evaporates too early, then simply add more water and turn the heat down a bit.
Step 4. Once your asparagus are cooked and the water is gone, reduce heat to low, and add in the balsamic vinegar and move the stalks around so they are fully coated.
Pro Tip: Do not rinse the bell peppers or try to cool them down. You want them hot!
Step 5. Then, add in the olive oil and likewise, move the stalks around so they are fully coated with the olive oil.
Step 6. Transfer to a serving dish and top with your Romano cheese.
See some more recipe tips and ideas below.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Tips & Modifications
Here are some recipe ideas to add even more flavor to your peppers!
- Add a small splash of lemon juice.
- Top with some red pepper flakes for some extra spice.
- Add some sliced garlic (just don’t let them burn).
- Use any leftovers in salads – so good!
What to Serve Balsamic Asparagus With
Since this is a veggie side dish, and Italian at that – it goes with quite a bit. Chicken dishes, beef dishes, vegetarian dishes too!
The nice thing about this recipe, is that it can be made last minute and in about 15 minutes.
You can also check out more dinner ideas here.
Rolled Chicken and Spinach
Pasta and Peas
Chicken Parmesan
Additional Meal Recipes
For more inspiration, check out these recipe collections below.
- Discover easy side dish recipes for additional inspiration.
- Check out these buffet Italian recipes.
- More Simple Italian recipes
Recipe Card
Balsamic Asparagus
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 12-16 asparagus stalks cleaned, rinsed, and tough ends removed
- 1 Tbsp balsamic
- 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp grated Romano cheese
Instructions
- Clean and rinse the asparagus, then snap the tough ends off12-16 asparagus stalks
- Place in a saute pan with enough water to cover them half-way
- Bring the water to a boil for about 8 minutes and let the asparagus cook until fork-tender and bright green. Don't let it get soggy.
- Once most of the water is evaporated, and the asparagus is cooked, turn to low and add the balsamic vinegar and make sure you stir the asparagus so it's coated with the vinegar.1 Tbsp balsamic
- Then add in the olive oil, and also make sure to coat the asparagus.1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Remove from heat, place in a serving bowl and top with Romano cheese.1 Tbsp grated Romano cheese
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you’ve enjoyed this balsamic asparagus side dish! If you’ve tried it and made any changes to make it your own (or kept it all the same), let me know in the comments below!
Liz
