Sautéed Asparagus, Tomatoes & Bacon Skillet Recipe

Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of this simple sautéed asparagus side dish. Tender asparagus is cooked with juicy tomatoes and savory bacon for a quick, flavorful complement to any meal.

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. Although it’s often considered a spring or early summer vegetable, I usually find good spears most of the year. While prices are still reasonable, I like to take advantage of fresh asparagus and prepare it simply so its flavor shines.

I sauté the vegetables in extra virgin olive oil for a lighter, healthier base. The method is fast and highlights the natural sweetness of the tomatoes together with the umami of bacon and a scattering of Parmesan.

Recipe originally posted Oct 2, 2014. Photos and content updated June 15, 2022.

The steps below are easy to follow and can be adjusted for thicker asparagus stalks or to increase servings. Total time is about 15 minutes, so this makes a great last-minute side for busy weeknights or a casual weekend meal.

How To Make Sautéed Asparagus and Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus (rinsed, tough ends removed)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Dice the bacon and fry it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove excess fat if desired, leaving a bit in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Add the diced onion and the tomatoes to the pan with the bacon. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the tomatoes begin to soften.

Step 3: Add the olive oil, trimmed asparagus, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper and toss to combine so the asparagus is coated in the pan juices and oil.

Step 4: Cover the pan and cook until the asparagus is heated through but still crisp, about 3–4 minutes. If your stalks are thick, add a couple of extra minutes until they reach your preferred tenderness.

Step 5: Transfer the asparagus and vegetables to a serving platter, spooning any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

Step 6: Grate fresh Parmesan over the asparagus and serve immediately. This recipe yields about 2–4 servings depending on portion size.

More Ways to Use Fresh Asparagus

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Sautéed Asparagus and Tomatoes with Bacon

Fresh asparagus and tomatoes sautéed with bacon make an easy, tasty side dish. Ready in about 15 minutes.

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
5 mins

Total Time
15 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 184 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus (rinsed, tough bottom removed)
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Dice the bacon and fry in a skillet until crispy.
2. Add diced onion and tomatoes and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the olive oil, trimmed asparagus, minced garlic, salt and black pepper; toss to combine.
4. Cover and cook until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes (longer for thick stalks).
5. Transfer to a serving platter, spooning the pan juices over the top.
6. Grate fresh Parmesan over the asparagus and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1

Calories: 184 kcal

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Protein: 8 g

Fat: 14 g

Sodium: 1416 mg

Fiber: 3 g

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