Creamy Italian Polenta With Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic and parmesan polenta is rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare. It requires only a handful of ingredients yet delivers a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The roasted garlic adds depth and sweetness, while parmesan brings savory nuttiness that makes the polenta irresistible. Whether you’re new to cooking polenta or already love it, this recipe ensures a smooth, velvety texture that will make it a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Polenta Base:
4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter version)
1 cup yellow cornmeal (coarse or medium grind)
1 cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
3 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)

Flavor Boosters:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic
   Mince the garlic. For a mellow flavor, sauté it in a small pan with a bit of butter or olive oil over low heat until fragrant. Set aside.

2. Heat the Liquid
   In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth and milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

3. Add the Cornmeal
   Slowly whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue stirring.

4. Simmer and Stir
   Cook the polenta for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens into a creamy, porridge-like consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk.

5. Incorporate Flavor
   Stir in the sautéed garlic, butter, parmesan, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy.

6. Taste and Adjust
   Taste the polenta and adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra parmesan for cheesiness or a bit more liquid if it’s too thick.

7. Serve
   Spoon into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in pecorino Romano or gorgonzola for a different flavor profile.

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or basil instead of thyme.

• Vegan-Friendly: Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast.

• Rustic Style: Let the polenta cool, slice it into squares, and grill or fry for a crisp alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover polenta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through. For firmer polenta, allow it to set in a dish, then slice and pan-fry or grill.

FAQs

What is polenta made of?

Polenta is made from ground cornmeal, typically medium or coarse grind.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and use unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Why is my polenta lumpy?

Lumps usually form if cornmeal is added too quickly. Always whisk slowly into simmering liquid.

How do I know when polenta is done?

It’s ready when it’s thick, creamy, and no longer gritty in texture, usually after 20–25 minutes.

Can I prepare polenta ahead of time?

Yes, make it in advance and reheat with a little extra broth or milk for creaminess.

What can I serve with polenta?

It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, braised meats, rich stews, or even a simple tomato sauce.

Is polenta gluten-free?

Yes, polenta is naturally gluten-free since it’s made from cornmeal.

Can I freeze polenta?

Cooked polenta can be frozen, but it’s best when allowed to set, sliced, and frozen for frying or grilling later.

Can I use instant polenta for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking time will be shorter. Follow package instructions and then add garlic, butter, and parmesan.

How can I make polenta extra creamy?

Use a mix of broth and milk, stir often, and finish with extra butter or cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian polenta with parmesan is a comforting, versatile dish that highlights the rustic beauty of Italian cuisine. With its silky texture and rich flavors of garlic and parmesan, it’s the perfect side dish or base for a variety of toppings. Easy to prepare yet impressive on the table, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both weeknight meals and special occasions.