Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary asparagus into a mouthwatering, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Creamy Baked Asparagus Alfredo is not just another side dish – it's a culinary experience that combines the elegant crunch of fresh asparagus with the irresistible richness of melted cheese and velvety Alfredo sauce. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet vegetable dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Thoroughly wash the asparagus and trim off the tough woody ends by snapping or cutting approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer in a rectangular baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Season the asparagus with salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing the seasoning evenly across the spears.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the asparagus, making sure each spear is lightly coated and the sauce is distributed uniformly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced asparagus, creating an even layer of cheese coverage.
- Top the mozzarella layer with grated Parmesan cheese, which will provide additional flavor and create a golden crust when baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best flavor and texture.
- Trimming Technique: To remove the tough woody ends, gently bend the asparagus spear – it will naturally snap at the point where the tender part meets the tough part.
- Even Cooking: Arrange asparagus in a single layer to ensure each spear cooks evenly and gets perfectly coated with sauce and cheese.
- Cheese Selection: For maximum flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella rather than pre-shredded varieties.
- Doneness Check: The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight crispness when pierced with a fork.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- Customization: Feel free to add garlic, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 255kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 16g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
