Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Asparagus
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and trim the asparagus. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the asparagus evenly inside.
Step 2: Start the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to gently simmer, stirring often, until it thickens and no longer sticks to the pan. This should take just a few minutes.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses. Continue mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the cheese sauce over the center of the asparagus, keeping the tips uncovered. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and additional shredded cheese if desired.
