Asparagus In Wine
Tender asparagus cooked in a delicate white wine and butter sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Snap off and discard tough ends from asparagus; wash asparagus.
- Bring 1/2-inch salted water to a boil in a wide frying pan.
- Add asparagus; cover and cook over medium heat until tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain well and transfer to a shallow 3 to 4 cup casserole.
- Melt butter in a frying pan over high heat; add white wine and cook, uncovered, until reduced by about half.
- Pour butter-wine sauce over the asparagus.
- Sprinkle with salt and white pepper to taste, then with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Place under broiler, 2 to 3 inches from heat, until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice to the butter-wine sauce. If you don’t have dry white wine, a splash of white vinegar can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also enhance the dish. Make sure to choose asparagus that is bright green and firm for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Asparagus in Wine makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Eggplant Roll-Ups or a light Pasta Salad With Fresh Tomato And Basil Sauce for a vegetarian meal. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve immediately for best results.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or a skillet on low heat to avoid overcooking the asparagus, which can make it mushy. Adding a splash of water during reheating can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus In Wine contains roughly 74 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to prevent excess water from affecting the dish.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both alternatives will complement the dish nicely.
How do I know when the asparagus is cooked properly?
The asparagus is perfectly cooked when it is tender-crisp, meaning it should still have a slight snap when bitten. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the spears, so keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).