This sauteed asparagus is tender asparagus stalks cooked in butter, garlic and an assortment of herbs. A ten minute side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, pasta and seafood.
I am always happy to eat asparagus, some of my favorite ways to enjoy it include grilled asparagus foil packets and chicken asparagus stir fry. This sauteed asparagus is a simple yet satisfying way to get your veggies in with minimal effort!
We eat a fair amount of broccoli in this house, but when I’m looking to switch things up a bit in the green veggie department, I turn to asparagus. Asparagus is healthy and readily available most of the year. Best of all, my kids happily eat it! This sauteed asparagus is an easy way to get a flavorful vegetable on the dinner table in no time at all.
How do you trim asparagus?
The bottom of asparagus stalks tends to be tough and woody, and isn’t that pleasant to eat. The best way to figure out where to trim your asparagus is to take a stalk and bend it. Wherever the stalk snaps is where the tender part starts and the tough part ends. From there, you can line up all your asparagus stalks and trim the bottom off in the same spot as where your original piece of asparagus snapped in half. For this recipe, you’ll want to cut your asparagus stalks into 1-2 inch sized pieces.
How do you saute asparagus?
The key to cooking fresh asparagus to make sure it’s tender, but not overly soft. You’ll want to watch the asparagus closely as it cooks. As soon as the color turns deep green, it can be removed from the heat. This sauteed asparagus is flavored with butter, garlic, dried Italian seasoning and fresh parsley.
Tips for sauteed asparagus
- This recipe works best with medium sized asparagus stalks. If you use the really skinny stalks they may overcook and get mushy. If you’re using thicker stalks, you may have to add a few minutes to the cook time.
- To make this recipe vegan, use olive oil instead of butter.
- Add the garlic towards the very end of the cooking time so that it doesn’t burn.
- This recipe calls for dried Italian seasoning which is a blend of herbs such as oregano, parsley, and basil. It is available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can substitute your favorite dried herbs in the same amount.
Is asparagus healthy?
Asparagus is full of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C and K. It also contains folate, iron, copper and calcium. Asparagus is high fiber and low calorie and is also low in carbohydrates.
Sauteed asparagus variations
While I enjoy this recipe as-is, sometimes I add other ingredients that I happen to have around the house to spice things up a bit!
- Sun Dried Tomatoes: Add 1/3 cup chopped oil packed sun dried tomatoes.
- Mushrooms: Cook up 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms before you add the asparagus to the pan.
- Shallots: Substitute 1/4 cup minced shallots for the garlic.
- Olives: Add 1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives.
- Cheese: Sprinkle feta or parmesan cheese over the asparagus before serving.
- Pine Nuts: Add 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts right before serving.
No matter how you serve this sauteed asparagus, it’s sure to be a hit! We all need some go-to easy side dishes to complement dinner, and this one is a keeper.
More side dish options
- Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
- Glazed Carrots
- Roasted Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- Zucchini Gratin
- Braised Cabbage
Sauteed Asparagus
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb asparagus stalks trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley can also use green onions or fresh dill
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes or until just tender.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Sandi says
I have always been partial to asparagus prepared in the oven, but I think I like this recipe better. Mmmm good!
Cindy says
This recipe is amazing & so yummy!
Ashley says
This Recipe is amazing!! I was so excited to try it! I am always looking for new ways to make side dishes and this was perfect! Thank you for sharing!
Becca Wilson says
Asparagus is one of my favorite sides when it comes to veggies. These look like they would be so amazing!
Shannon Gurnee says
I love eating asparagus! I cook mine in olive oil and add garlic and Greek Seasoning. I like to cook it al dente. Yummy!
Porsha says
This makes me want some asparagus for dinner !
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
This is one of my husbands favorites. Getting the flavors right is very important; great recipe!
emman damian says
The sauteed asparagus is so easy to do. It’s so healthy too! It’s my to go side dish at any mains.
Jacque Hooper says
Asparagus is my all time favorite vegetable to serve as a side or even a small snack! It’s healthy, and full of flavor! You’ve inspired me to make this for my kids tonight!
Subhashish Roy says
Asparagus health benefits should make it one must have vegetable at regular intervals. The green looks so nice & attractive. This preparation should be a great side dish. And moreover, as you suggest, made in just 10 minutes. Awesome.
artchee says
I like asparagus. We usually just saute it with butter.
Heather says
This is one of my favorite side dishes! I could eat asparagus every day.
Sarah Bailey says
Asparagus is one of those things that has so much flavour to give and seems to have so many different ways to cook it. I am going to have to try and sautee it myself and see what I think.
Cherishingflo says
I love asparagus but I didn’t even know how healthy it was for you! I mean I knew it was good for you because it’s a vegetable but wow! And I love sauteed asparagus! mmm sooooo good
Stacie says
This sauteed asparagus sounds so good. I’ve only ever steamed it before. We eat A LOT of asparagus, though, so I’m sure my family is going to appreciate the variation.