How to Cook Asparagus in a Skillet | Easy & Delicious Recipe

4.89 from 9 votes

Updated Apr 30, 2025

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Discover how to cook asparagus in a skillet for a quick and delicious way to bring out the vegetable’s natural sweetness while maintaining that satisfying crisp-tender bite. This is probably my favorite way to make asparagus because it never fails and is so quick and absolutely yummy!

A bunch of fresh green asparagus spears, perfectly sautéed, arranged in a black cast iron pan on a light, textured surface.

🍽️ My kids absolutely love asparagus so I often make this basic recipe or take it up a notch by adding lemon & Parmesan to sauteed asparagus!

My 2 Best Tips For How To Cook Asparagus in a Skillet
How to Cook Asparagus in a Skillet | Easy & Delicious Recipe Recipe
Recipe FAQs
More Vegetable Recipes to Consider

My 2 Best Tips For How To Cook Asparagus in a Skillet

Single Layer: All of the asparagus stalks should touch the bottom of the pan. Don’t crowd them or have more than one layer. If your pan doesn’t allow this, cook them in batches as needed.
Super Flavor: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over the cooked asparagus is excellent, and might be my very favorite addition besides garlic. And you can totally cut back on the garlic or even omit it and season with other flavorings or just salt and pepper!

🩷 Melissa

This is one of those recipes that’s not much of a recipe. It’s just a little butter or oil, some garlic, salt, and pepper, all cooked with one of my favorite vegetables. Asparagus doesn’t need a whole lot. It’s a great stand-alone vegetable that is delicious just as it is.

I like to eat my asparagus with a little crisp, so I know that as soon as it starts to turn a beautiful bright green color, it’s time to take the pan off the heat.

The asparagus will cook a bit longer in the pan as I set the table, and by the time we are ready to eat, they are perfectly done. It’s such a simple vegetable, but one that I don’t tire of.

4.89 from 9 votes

How to Cook Asparagus in a Skillet | Easy & Delicious Recipe

By: Melissa Griffiths

Discover how to cook asparagus in a skillet for a quick and delicious way to bring out the vegetable's natural sweetness while maintaining that satisfying crisp-tender bite. This is probably my favorite way to make asparagus because it never fails and is so quick and absolutely yummy!

Prep: 3

Cook: 5

Total: 8

Servings:

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Equipment

Large Cast Iron Skillet It's a bit of a splurge, but it'll last you a lifetime!

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound fresh asparagus
▢ 1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
▢ 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 heaping teaspoon)
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the asparagus by washing them and trimming 1-2 inches off the bottom, depending on how tough the bottoms are.
Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
When butter is melted, add garlic and give it a quick stir to combine.
Add the prepared asparagus. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (5-9 minutes depending on how big the spears are).
Add salt and pepper to taste and serve right away.

Video

Notes

Single Layer: All of the asparagus stalks should touch the bottom of the pan. Don’t crowd them or have more than one layer. If your pan doesn’t allow this, cook them in batches as needed.

Super Flavor: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over the cooked asparagus is excellent.

Seasoning Options: If you’re not a fan of garlic, cut it down by half or omit it altogether. Add salt and pepper to taste.

How to Store Cooked Asparagus: Cooked asparagus doesn’t retain its crispness as well as fresh asparagus, so for optimal quality, it’s best to use it within a couple of days. Store in an airtight container. If you have leftover asparagus, I highly recommend trying my sausage asparagus and mushroom risotto!

How to Reheat Asparagus: I like to reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop just until warm. It can also be reheated in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

What to Eat With Asparagus: The most classic way to serve asparagus is with baked salmon or salmon patties and a side of brown rice or quinoa. It also goes well with pork chops, chicken, or steak.

Other Delicious Asparagus Recipes:

Asparagus Soup
Air Fryer Asparagus
Easy Sautéed Asparagus – Another basic recipe with the addition of lemon and Parmesan flavors!
Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 5 servings, Calories: 50kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 262mg, Potassium: 189mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 791IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 2mg

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Recipe FAQs

How do you trim asparagus?

Bend the ends of one piece of asparagus in both hands until the end snaps off. That’s where the woody part ends and the tender asparagus begins.

How do I know when the asparagus is done?

The asparagus should be tender-crisp. The spears will be bright green and easily pierced with a fork.

How can I add more flavor to sautéed asparagus?

Experiment with different seasonings like lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How long does cooked asparagus last?

Cooked asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed. Freezing is not recommended for cooked asparagus!