Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Description
A creamy sauce for asparagus flavored with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon comes together in minutes while the asparagus roasts in the oven.
Ingredients
•
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
•
salt and pepper to taste
•
1 tablespoon olive oil
•
2 tablespoons butter
•
1 clove garlic, minced
•
2 tablespoons flour
•
1 cup low-fat milk
•
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
•
salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
•
1 pinch lemon zest
Directions
1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Place asparagus on the baking sheet and season with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly toss to coat evenly.
3
Roast in the preheated oven until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 10 minutes for thin asparagus, or 14 minutes for large asparagus.
4
Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until softened, taking care not to burn garlic. Sprinkle flour onto butter and cook, whisking constantly until mixture is golden and thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a light boil until sauce starts to thicken, 2 to 3 minutes.
5
Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat - sauce will further thicken.
6
Place asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with cheese sauce. Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.