Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Alfredo Baked Asparagus is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tender-crisp vegetables. The asparagus roasts to perfection, while the homemade Alfredo sauce adds a rich and indulgent touch. With garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, this dish brings a luxurious flavor to your meal without being overly complicated. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty main course or enjoying it on its own, it’s a versatile and mouth-watering dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, trimmed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic salt and cracked pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then spread the asparagus out into a single layer.
Bake the Asparagus: Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it is tender-crisp.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: While the asparagus is baking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the mixture is hot and the cream cheese has melted, remove it from the heat.
Finish the Sauce: Whisk in the shredded Parmesan until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the Alfredo Sauce: Pour the Alfredo sauce over the asparagus, focusing on the middle portion of the dish while leaving the tips and ends uncovered.
Return to the Oven: Put the baking dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the asparagus reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Serve: Sprinkle with additional cracked black pepper before serving, and enjoy this creamy, savory side dish.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Variations

Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley over the asparagus before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheese: Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheese flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If the sauce looks a bit thick, you can add a splash of cream to loosen it.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe, but if you need to use frozen asparagus, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the asparagus and Alfredo sauce in advance. Just assemble the dish and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

3. Can I add chicken to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled or roasted chicken would make a great addition to turn this into a full meal. Simply layer the chicken over the asparagus before adding the Alfredo sauce.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try Gruyere, Gouda, or even mozzarella for a different twist on the classic Alfredo flavor.

5. How can I make this recipe lighter?

To make this dish lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter or use a butter substitute. You can also use a reduced-fat cream cheese or Parmesan.

6. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

While homemade Alfredo sauce tastes best, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. Just be sure to heat it well before adding it to the asparagus.

7. Can I grill the asparagus instead of baking it?

Yes! You can grill the asparagus until it’s tender, then drizzle the Alfredo sauce over it just before serving. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can make the sauce without it. It will still be creamy, just slightly lighter in texture.

9. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you’re serving it to a vegan crowd, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast.

10. Can I use a different vegetable in place of asparagus?

Yes, you can replace asparagus with other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender.

Conclusion

Alfredo Baked Asparagus is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together the savory flavors of roasted asparagus and creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a delicious way to elevate your vegetable game. With a few easy ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or something a bit more special, this dish will surely impress!