Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

It's been a while since I posted a recipe but finals are over and I'm not sick anymore, so I'm back in the kitchen =]  I have been craving asparagus for quite a while and it was on sale at Wal-Mart last week so I picked up two bundles for dinners this week. I love asparagus for many reasons; its not only delicious and low in calories, but it's sooooo QUICK and EASY to make! You literally heat up some oil, throw in the asparagus and let it cook itself for 15 minutes while you occasionally stir it around. EASY right??

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

1 bundle asparagus spears, trimmed
1 Tbs. minced garlic
2 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste


1. Prepare asparagus spears (See preparation instructions below)
2. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat
3. Add asparagus and toss the spears around in the oil to coat evenly
4. Salt and pepper to taste (I also throw a little garlic salt over them sometimes - optional)
5. Cook asparagus for approximately 5 minutes, stirring and rotating occasionally
6. Add minced garlic, continue to stir occasionally and cook for another 10 minutes (or until the thick ends of the spears become tender)
7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the spears and cook until melted (about 1 minute)


Serve warm

How to prepare asparagus:
Rinse the spears in warm water. Then remove and discard the tough ends by either using a knife to cut off a few inches or you can 'bend' each stalk until it breaks at its natural breaking point. (I prefer the bending method to ensure that you are left with the most tender parts of the asparagus with minimal waste)