Go Back
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Chopped fresh parsley - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper To make this creamy dish, choose high-quality cornmeal. The cornmeal is the base of our polenta. Vegetable broth adds rich flavor. Whole milk gives the polenta a smooth and creamy texture. Next, we add Parmesan cheese. It adds salty and nutty flavors. Unsalted butter brings richness and depth. Garlic powder adds a punch of flavor. For garnishes, fresh parsley adds color and brightness. Sea salt and cracked black pepper enhance the taste. You can adjust these to your liking. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful meal. For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy the taste of Italy right at home! To start, pour the vegetable broth into a large saucepan. Heat it on medium-high until it comes to a vigorous boil. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. This step is key. A strong boil helps the polenta cook evenly. Once your broth is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium. Now, slowly whisk in the coarse cornmeal. This is where your polenta begins to take shape. Keep stirring as you add the cornmeal to avoid lumps. After mixing, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the polenta for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir frequently and scrape the sides. You want it thick and creamy for that perfect texture. After your polenta is cooked, it’s time for the best part! Gradually stir in the whole milk. Then, add the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the butter melts and the cheese blends in. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust based on your preference. Finally, spoon the creamy polenta onto your serving platter or bowls. Top it with the rest of the Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. To make creamy polenta, stir continuously as you cook. This helps to avoid lumps. If you want a thicker polenta, you can adjust the cooking time. Cook it a bit longer to get that perfect texture you desire. You can easily enhance the flavor by experimenting with spices and herbs. Try adding a pinch of dried thyme or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Using high-quality ingredients also makes a big difference. Freshly grated Parmesan and good vegetable broth can elevate your dish. Polenta pairs well with many foods. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a creative touch, try plating it in a shallow bowl and topping it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parsley. This not only looks great but tastes amazing too! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_4}} Polenta is a versatile dish. You can change it up in many ways. Here are some tasty variations. Adding fresh herbs can boost flavor. Try using thyme or basil. These herbs give your polenta a fresh taste. You can mix them in while cooking. Just chop them up and stir them in at the end. This simple step makes your dish vibrant and aromatic. Want to make this dish vegan? You can easily swap out the dairy. Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Coconut milk also works well for creaminess. These changes keep the polenta rich and tasty while being dairy-free. Get creative with flavors! You can add roasted garlic for a sweet touch. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of color and taste. Goat cheese is another great choice for a tangy kick. Mix and match these ingredients to find your favorite combo. Each choice creates a unique dish that stands out. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To store leftover polenta, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Polenta keeps well in the fridge for three to five days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating. Reheating creamy polenta can be simple. Place it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up. Stir often to keep it creamy. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze polenta, too! Pour cooled polenta into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding liquid as needed for creaminess. For a complete guide on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use water. However, using vegetable broth adds great flavor. It makes the polenta richer and more delicious. Broth brings out the taste of the cornmeal. You will notice a big difference. Cooking polenta takes about 30 to 40 minutes. It’s vital to stir often. This helps the polenta become creamy and smooth. If you want it thick, cook longer. If you like it thinner, reduce the time. Adjusting the time helps you get the perfect texture. Yes, you can make polenta ahead. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a little water or milk. Heat it slowly on the stove, stirring until creamy again. This way, you save time on busy days. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Creamy Italian polenta with Parmesan is a simple dish you can master. You need just a few main ingredients: coarse cornmeal, vegetable broth, and milk. Spice it up with butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Remember to stir continuously for a smooth texture. You can even add herbs or make a vegan version. Store leftovers properly and reheat with care. This dish pairs well with meats or veggies, making it a versatile favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture for a delightful meal anytime.

Creamy Italian Polenta with Parmesan

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Italian Polenta with Parmesan Delight! This rich and satisfying recipe combines coarse cornmeal, buttery flavors, and freshly grated Parmesan for a comforting dish that's perfect as a side or main attraction. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a luscious meal that impresses. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience with this delightful comfort food!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup whole milk

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large saucepan, pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

    When the broth is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the coarse cornmeal. Stir continuously to ensure there are no lumps forming.

      Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the polenta for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir frequently, scraping the sides to ensure even cooking, until the mixture is thick and creamy.

        Gradually stir in the whole milk, followed by the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue mixing until the butter melts and the cheese is fully incorporated into the polenta.

          Season liberally with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors. Adjust to your taste preference.

            Spoon the creamy polenta onto a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese generously on top.

              For a fresh and vibrant touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Serving Suggestion: Pair this luxurious polenta with roasted vegetables or grilled meats for a complete meal, or serve it as a comforting side dish.