Creamy Polenta with Parmesan Recipe
This Creamy Polenta with Parmesan is a simple and comforting Italian-inspired side dish featuring smooth, buttery polenta enriched with rich Parmesan cheese and cream. Perfect as a base for hearty mains or as a cozy standalone treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Polenta Base
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
Enrichments
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Boil the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Polenta: Gradually whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and the grains are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- Add Butter and Parmesan: Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, giving the polenta a rich, creamy texture.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine, further enhancing the silkiness of the dish.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed. Serve hot immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Keep stirring during cooking to avoid lumps and sticking.
- Polenta can be made ahead and reheated with a little extra cream or broth.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper or herbs like thyme for additional flavor.
Keywords: polenta, parmesan, creamy side dish, Italian, comfort food, buttery polenta
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/creamy-polenta-with-parmesan-recipe/
