To cook asparagus in the oven, follow these steps for a simple and delicious roasted asparagus dish:

1. Preheat the oven to around 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the asparagus :
   • Wash the asparagus thoroughly and pat dry.
   • Snap off or cut off the tough, woody ends where the asparagus naturally breaks (usually about an inch from the bottom).
3. Arrange the asparagus :
   • Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4. Season :
   • Drizzle generously with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon per pound of asparagus).
   • Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Optional: add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Roast :
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Roast for about 10 to 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still has a slight bite and the tips start to brown. Thinner spears may take closer to 7-10 minutes, thicker ones up to 15-20 minutes.
   • Check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
6. Finish and serve :
   • Optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving.
   • You can also sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.

This method yields asparagus that is tender, slightly caramelized on the outside, and flavorful without becoming mushy