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A sauteed asparagus and bacon pan.

Sauteed Asparagus Recipe

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 220kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
This delicious sautéed asparagus recipe might just be the best asparagus recipe ever!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces pancetta cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
  • 1 pound asparagus trimmed and sliced into 2-inch pieces on the bias
  • cups leeks thinly sliced crosswise (white & pale green parts)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (from ⅙ orange)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Place the sliced pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp and light golden brown.
    4 ounces pancetta
  • Add the butter, asparagus pieces and sliced leek, and sauté 3-4 minutes or until asparagus is tender crisp.
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 pound asparagus, 1¼ cups leeks
  • Add garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, pine nuts and parsley, and sauté 1 minute.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  • Preheat the pan thoroughly over medium heat. You'll know it's hot enough when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately.
  • Be careful not to overcook, as overcooked asparagus can become mushy.
Storage: Store sauteed asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 778mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1508IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg