Looking for a satisfying dinner recipe that’s both delicious and effortless? This asparagus frittata combines the creamy texture of ricotta with fresh asparagus and aromatic chives, making it the perfect addition to your Mediterranean diet repertoire.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or seeking a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is packed with flavor and heart-healthy ingredients.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Dinner
Frittatas are a quintessential Mediterranean dish, celebrated for their versatility and simplicity. Unlike omelets or quiches, this asparagus frittata is baked to achieve a custard-like texture that pairs beautifully with the fresh, vibrant flavors of spring.
Its creamy ricotta base adds richness without overpowering, making it an ideal main course for dinner when served with a light salad or crusty bread. Plus, it’s a hands-off option, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests or unwind while it bakes to perfection.
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Customizing the Recipe to Your Preferences
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. While asparagus is the star here, you can easily substitute other seasonal vegetables to suit your tastes or what’s available in your fridge. Try these ideas for variety:
- Summer Twist: Use sweet corn kernels or roasted red peppers.
- Fall Comfort: Swap asparagus for radicchio or sautéed mushrooms.
- Winter Warmth: Add shredded Brussels sprouts or roasted butternut squash.
These substitutions keep the recipe fresh and exciting year-round, ensuring it remains a go-to option for dinner.
Making It Fit Special Diets
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be tweaked to accommodate other dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: The original recipe already skips meat, so it’s perfect for vegetarians.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace ricotta with a dairy-free alternative, and skip the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Low-Carb: This dish is inherently low-carb, making it an excellent choice for those watching their carb intake.
By making these simple adjustments, you can cater to nearly any dietary need without sacrificing flavor.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Frittata
To elevate this recipe to a restaurant-quality dish, keep these tips in mind:
- Cook the Vegetables Just Right: Sauté the asparagus until tender but not mushy. This helps maintain a bright, fresh flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Eggs: Gently whisk the eggs to keep the texture airy and light.
- Monitor the Oven: The key to a custard-like center is removing the frittata from the oven before it’s fully set. The residual heat will finish the job.
Pairing this frittata with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice takes the flavors to another level, enhancing the dish’s Mediterranean essence.
Serving Suggestions for Dinner
This asparagus frittata shines as a standalone meal, but you can easily pair it with complementary sides to round out your dinner:
- Salads: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Grain Options: Serve alongside farro or couscous for a heartier meal.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and earthy asparagus.
These additions make the dish versatile enough for casual family dinners or more elegant gatherings.
Why This Frittata Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
This asparagus frittata with ricotta and chives embodies the heart of Mediterranean cooking: simple, wholesome ingredients prepared with care. It’s a dish that delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for dinner.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a quiet meal at home, this recipe has everything you need to satisfy and inspire.
Asparagus Frittata with Ricotta & Chives Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Cast-iron or oven-safe skillet (8- or 9-inch recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 ounces asparagus trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces (about ¾ cup)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 8 extra-large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
- ½ cup fresh ricotta
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
- Fresh lemon juice as needed
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese as needed
- Flaky sea salt as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Adjust a rack near the top of your oven and preheat it to 300°F.
- Cook the Asparagus: Heat a heavy, well-seasoned cast-iron or oven-safe skillet (8- or 9-inch is ideal) over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the asparagus along with ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus becomes tender and develops some golden-brown spots.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: While the asparagus is cooking, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Stir in the remaining ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt and the ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Combine in the Skillet: Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the asparagus, stirring gently to distribute the vegetables evenly. Add dollops of ricotta over the top and scatter the minced chives. Let the skillet sit on the stove for about 2 minutes, just until the bottom layer begins to set.
- Bake the Frittata: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the eggs are cooked around the edges but remain slightly creamy and custard-like in the center. This typically takes 12–15 minutes for a 9-inch skillet and 15–20 minutes for an 8-inch skillet. Check regularly toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overbaking.
- Serve the Frittata: Once cooked, gently slide the frittata out of the skillet onto a serving plate. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor. Sprinkle with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, flaky sea salt, and more freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Notes
- To adapt for other seasons, substitute asparagus with summer peppers or corn, fall radicchio, or winter Brussels sprouts.
- Ensure vegetables are fully cooked before adding the eggs, as they won’t cook further in the oven.
- Best served with a crisp side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.