The Ultimate Creamy Parmesan Polenta Recipe: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Why This Velvety Smooth Italian Polenta Should Be Your New Favorite Side Dish

Tired of the same old side dishes? Get ready to transform your dinner table with this incredible Creamy Parmesan Polenta! Forget everything you thought you knew about polenta; this recipe delivers a velvety, rich, and utterly comforting dish that's surprisingly simple to master. Whether you're pairing it with another side dish or enjoying it as a stand-alone vegetarian meal, this Italian classic is about to become your new go-to.

What is Polenta? (And Why Creamy Matters!)

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal. While it can be served firm and grilled, this recipe focuses on creamy polenta – a luscious, soft version that melts in your mouth. The secret to its irresistible texture lies in the type of cornmeal, the liquid used, and the patient stirring, all culminating in a dish infused with savoury Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

140-160 g medium-ground Polenta (Cornmeal): Don't grab the instant kind for this! Quality coarse or medium-ground cornmeal makes all the difference.

$950$ ml of chicken or vegetable stock

2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: For richness and shine.

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: The star of the show for that nutty, salty kick.

Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper: To taste.

Enhance your creamy polenta with these delicious additions:

Crispy pancetta or bacon bits

Sautéed mushrooms

Sautéed cavolo nero or spinach leaves 

Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Polenta

⭐️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
⏱ Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
🍴 Serves: 4

Follow these easy steps to achieve polenta perfection. Patience is a virtue here – slow and steady wins the creamy race!

1. Bring Liquid to a Simmer: In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the stock and water (or just stock). Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Season with a good pinch of salt.

2. Whisk in Polenta: Slowly, in a thin stream, whisk in the polenta. Continue whisking constantly for the first 2-3 minutes to prevent lumps.

3. Simmer & Stir: Reduce the heat to low. Let the polenta gently simmer, stirring frequently (every 2-3 minutes) with a wooden spoon or whisk. This slow cooking allows the grains to soften and release their starch, creating that coveted creamy texture. Continue for 25-35 minutes, or until the polenta is thick, tender, and pulling away from the sides of the pot.

4. Finish with Flavour: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the butter until melted, then fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If it's too thick, you can stir in a splash of warm milk or stock until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort? This Creamy Parmesan Polenta is simple, satisfying, and bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!