Creamed Asparagus has always been that special side dish that makes any meal feel a little more elevated, a little more comforting. I remember my aunt making an old fashioned creamed asparagus when I was a kid, and the rich, savory asparagus with cream sauce was pure magic. It wasn’t just vegetables; it was an experience! This recipe captures that same cozy feeling, but with a touch of modern simplicity. Get ready for tender asparagus coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce, all topped with a delightful crunch. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamed Asparagus
- It’s incredibly delicious with a rich, savory flavor and a delightful creamy texture.
- This easy creamed asparagus comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance to any meal without much effort.
- The combination of tender asparagus, creamy sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs is pure comfort food.
- This easy creamed asparagus is budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- It’s a versatile asparagus side dish recipe that pairs well with almost any main course.
- You get a dose of vitamins and fiber from the fresh asparagus.
Ingredients for Creamed Asparagus
Gathering these simple creamed asparagus ingredients is the first step to making this delightful dish. You’ll need 1 pound asparagus, trimmed – I like to snap off the woody ends for the perfect texture. For that irresistible flavor base, we’ll use 2 tablespoons butter and 2 cloves garlic, minced, which really brings out the savory notes in this creamed asparagus with garlic.
The creamy sauce comes together with 1/4 cup heavy cream for richness and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors. Finally, for that satisfying crunch, we’ll top it all off with 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs.
How to Make Creamed Asparagus
Follow these simple steps for a delicious and quick creamed asparagus dish that’s sure to impress. Mastering how to make creamed asparagus is easier than you think, and this method guarantees a fantastic result every time!
- Step 1: Start by preparing your asparagus. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add 1 pound asparagus, trimmed to the boiling water. Blanch for just 2-3 minutes until it turns a vibrant green and is tender-crisp. This quick blanching locks in color and flavor. Immediately drain the asparagus and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 2 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma – be careful not to burn it!
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of our creamy asparagus sauce!
- Step 5: Season the sauce generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir.
- Step 6: Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet with the cream sauce. Gently toss the asparagus to coat every spear evenly. This step ensures each bite is infused with flavor.
- Step 7: Let the asparagus simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to heat it through. This is a quick creamed asparagus process, so watch it closely.
- Step 8: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs over the top of the creamed asparagus.
- Step 9: Serve this delightful creamed asparagus immediately as a savory side dish. Enjoy the wonderful combination of tender asparagus, luscious sauce, and crunchy topping!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamed Asparagus
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make my creamed asparagus truly exceptional. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of tender vegetables and luscious sauce.
- For the creamiest sauce, don’t skimp on the quality of your Parmesan cheese; freshly grated is always best.
- Ensure your asparagus is tender-crisp, not mushy. Blanching for just 2-3 minutes is key to maintaining its texture and vibrant color.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce for your easy creamed asparagus, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the simmering cream.
- Toasting the breadcrumbs separately in a dry skillet until golden brown before adding them gives a much better crunch than raw breadcrumbs.
What’s the secret to perfect creamed asparagus?
The secret to truly perfect creamed asparagus lies in the blanching and the sauce. Blanching the asparagus just until tender-crisp preserves its fresh flavor and vibrant color. Then, building a rich sauce with quality Parmesan and a touch of garlic creates the best creamed asparagus experience. For more information on proper vegetable preparation, check out these steaming broccoli techniques.
Can I make creamed asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the asparagus and the cream sauce separately up to a day in advance for your homemade creamed asparagus. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Gently reheat the sauce and then toss with the blanched asparagus just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with creamed asparagus?
The biggest pitfall is overcooking the asparagus, which makes it mushy. Blanch it briefly and avoid boiling it in the sauce for too long. Also, ensure your Parmesan is fully melted into the sauce before adding the asparagus to prevent a grainy texture.
Best Ways to Serve Creamed Asparagus
This delightful creamed asparagus is so versatile, it works as a star side dish for almost any meal. It’s a fantastic asparagus side dish recipe that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pan-seared salmon. For a truly comforting meal, try it alongside a hearty steak or a tender pork roast. You can also serve it as part of a larger vegetarian spread, perhaps with roasted potatoes and a fresh salad. The creamy, savory flavor really elevates simple weeknight dinners or special occasion mains.
Nutrition Facts for Creamed Asparagus
This creamed asparagus recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable side. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your asparagus side dish recipe. For a different take on a vegetable side, consider this baked broccoli cheese balls recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Creamed Asparagus
If you find yourself with any leftover homemade creamed asparagus, don’t worry! Properly storing and reheating it will help you enjoy this delicious dish again. First, make sure the creamed asparagus has cooled down completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be aware that freezing might slightly alter the texture of the creamy sauce.
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until it’s heated through. If the sauce seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Reheating slowly and gently is the key to preserving the creamy texture of your creamed asparagu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Asparagus
What is creamed asparagus?
Creamed asparagus is a classic side dish where fresh asparagus spears are gently cooked and then coated in a rich, creamy sauce, often made with cream, butter, and cheese. It’s a beloved way to enjoy asparagus, transforming it into a truly decadent and satisfying dish that feels like a special treat.
Is creamed asparagus considered comfort food?
Absolutely! This creamed asparagus recipe is the definition of comfort food. The combination of tender-crisp asparagus bathed in a velvety, savory cream sauce, often finished with a sprinkle of cheese or breadcrumbs, evokes feelings of warmth and home. It’s a dish that hugs you from the inside out.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus for this creamed asparagu, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Thaw the frozen asparagus completely and pat it very dry before cooking to avoid a watery sauce. You’ll also want to be careful not to overcook it, as frozen asparagus can become mushy more easily than fresh.
What can I serve with creamed asparagus?
This creamed asparagus is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to pan-seared fish or steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside baked potatoes or a hearty grain pilaf. It truly elevates any meal into something special. You might also enjoy this old-fashioned potato salad as another classic side.
Variations of Creamed Asparagus You Can Try
While this classic recipe is wonderful, there are so many ways to customize your creamed asparagu! If you’re looking for a healthy creamed asparagus recipe, try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, perhaps thickening it slightly with a cornstarch slurry. For a low carb creamed asparagu, skip the breadcrumbs and add a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Craving a dairy-free option? A vegan creamed asparagu can be achieved using full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, along with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also transform this into a delightful creamy asparagus casserole by layering the creamed asparagus in a baking dish, topping it with more breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and baking until bubbly and golden. For another comforting casserole, check out this million dollar lasagna.
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Creamed Asparagus: 15-Minute Comfort
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious creamed asparagus recipe featuring tender asparagus in a creamy parmesan sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This easy creamed asparagus is a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cream sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cream sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the asparagus is heated through.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the creamed asparagus.
- Serve immediately as a savory creamed asparagus side dish.
Notes
- For a healthier version of creamed asparagus, use milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor in your creamed asparagus.
- You can toast the breadcrumbs separately for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
