1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the woody ends by bending each spear until it naturally snaps.
3. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic over the top. Use your hands to toss everything together, ensuring the asparagus is well-coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, add that lemon zest for an extra zing!
6. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!

Here’s a tip: If your kids are like mine, they might be more inclined to eat their greens when they see the cheese melted on top—sometimes a little coaxing is all it takes!