Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Creamy Parmesan Polenta offers a rich, cheesy comfort with a velvety texture, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water and cornmeal in a small bowl.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a heavy saucepan, gradually add the cornmeal mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Reduce heat to low and cook until polenta is very thick, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
- Mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, whipped cream, and butter.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the water with milk or use a mix of chicken and vegetable broth. If you prefer a more robust flavor, add minced garlic or herbs like thyme while cooking. Stirring frequently helps prevent lumps in the polenta, ensuring a smooth finish. Consider adding a touch of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Parmesan Polenta makes a delicious base for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Chicken recipes like No Salt Baked Chicken for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Jocelyn'S California Salad, for a balanced dinner. Drizzle with olive oil or top with sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it thickens too much, just add more liquid.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Parmesan Polenta contains roughly 674 calories, with 7g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make polenta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare polenta ahead of time. Just cool it completely after cooking, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it with a little liquid to restore its creamy consistency.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes. For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast, which offers a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I add more flavor to the polenta?
To enhance the flavor, consider incorporating sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs into the broth before adding the cornmeal. You can also stir in roasted vegetables or cooked meats for a heartier dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).