Super Creamy Italian Polenta Recipe

Spoon resting next to a bowl of creamy polenta and topped with shaved parmesan and dried herbs sprinkled on top.

Super Creamy Italian Polenta Recipe

Creamy polenta is the ultimate base for roasted vegetables, braised meats, or a drizzle of olive oil. Forget waiting for your next Italian restaurant visit—this simple, no-fuss method will have you making restaurant-quality polenta at home in no time. It’s easy, comforting, and sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Authentic Italian Polenta, Creamy Italian Polenta

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings

Calories 301kcal

Ingredients

4 cups cold water (1022g/36oz) or broth
1 cup medium ground cornmeal (165g /5.75oz)
1.5 teaspoon sea salt (10g)
¾ cup parmigiano reggiano cheese (100g/3.5oz) grated
3 tablespoon butter (42g/1.5oz) or extra virgin olive oil
For Garnish (Optional)
Extra virgin olive oil or a knob of butter
Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Cracked black pepper
Fresh herbs

Instructions

Prep the Base - Start with 4 cups of cold water in a medium pot. Whisk in the cornmeal—this foolproof method helps prevent lumps right from the start. Broth would be a more modern interpretation.
Cook the Polenta - Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir frequently as the mixture begins to come to a gentle simmer, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Stir and Simmer - Uncover the pot every 5 minutes to give the polenta a good stir, then replace the lid. Continue this process for about 45 minutes, keeping the pot at a gentle simmer. You’ll know the polenta is ready when it’s thick, creamy, and the grains are tender with just a slight bite.
Finish with Flavor - Stir in the salt and parmigiano reggiano cheese until melted and fully combined. Then add the butter and mix until the polenta is glossy and irresistibly creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
Garnish and Serve - Spoon the polenta into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil or top with a small knob of butter. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and a handful of fresh herbs for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately!

Notes

RECIPE TIPS

Medium Grind Cornmeal: Traditional recipes often use coarse cornmeal, but medium ground is acceptable and produces a smoother texture.
Start Cold: Always whisk cornmeal into cold water to prevent lumps. This simple step makes a world of difference.
Choose Your Cheese: While parmigiano reggiano is classic, feel free to experiment with fontina, pecorino romano, or ricotta salata for unique flavor twists.
Reheating Polenta: Cooked polenta thickens quickly as it sits. To reheat, place it on the stove over low heat and stir in a splash of water, broth, or olive oil until it’s back to your desired creamy consistency. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning after adding liquid.

Serving Suggestions:
Polenta is a versatile canvas for countless toppings and dishes. Pair it with:

Slow-cooked short ribs for a hearty dinner.
Sautéed greens or roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Roasted cauliflower or cabbage steaks.
A simple marinara sauce and meatballs for a comforting Italian classic.
Confit tomatoes and garlic with fresh herbs life basil and thyme

With this foolproof method, you’ll master creamy polenta that’s smooth, rich, and perfect every time. Buon appetito!

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