Weight Watchers Polenta Parmesan
A creamy, cheesy polenta bake topped with golden mozzarella, combining rich Parmesan flavor with tomato sauce for a satisfying, low-fat dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a full boil.
- Stir in the polenta, Parmesan cheese, margarine, and garlic powder.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly for 4 minutes.
- Spray an 8-inch flameproof pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the polenta mixture into the pie pan.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Pour tomato sauce over the polenta mixture.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Broil until cheese is golden, about 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or broth to the polenta mixture while cooking. If you're out of Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano makes a good substitute. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to enhance the flavor. This dish can also serve as a base for various toppings, similar to how you would use it in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This polenta parmesan is delicious served as a main dish or as a hearty side. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It also complements grilled meats or fish nicely. For a cozy twist, consider serving it alongside a dish like Neapolitan Ziti for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the polenta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little water or milk to restore its creamy consistency, and stir until heated through. You can also microwave it, covered, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weight Watchers Polenta Parmesan contains roughly 577 calories, with 13g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 731mg per serving (32% 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 use regular polenta instead of instant?
Yes, you can use regular polenta, but the cooking time will be longer. Follow the package instructions, generally around 30-40 minutes, and stir frequently to prevent lumps. The texture may also be slightly different, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the instant polenta you use is certified gluten-free. Always check the labels on your ingredients if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Can I add vegetables to the polenta?
Absolutely! You can stir in cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the polenta mixture before broiling. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the nutritional content, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
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).