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Creamy Polenta Recipe: Easy Parmesan Rosemary Italian Comfort Food

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This creamy polenta recipe combines velvety cornmeal with rich Parmesan and fragrant rosemary for the ultimate Italian comfort food. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for holidays, weeknights, or whenever you crave a cozy, soul-soothing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta grind)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Extra Parmesan shavings (optional, for topping)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for topping)
  • Drizzle of olive oil (optional, for topping)
  • Sauteed mushrooms or roasted vegetables (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, about 5 minutes.
  2. Slowly pour in the cornmeal while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Add salt and black pepper. Whisk every couple minutes for 15-20 minutes until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides.
  4. Stir in butter and chopped rosemary. Whisk in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add heavy cream if desired for extra creaminess.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning. If polenta is too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, cook a few minutes longer.
  6. Spoon polenta into a warm serving bowl. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Notes

For vegan or dairy-free, use oat or almond milk, olive oil, and vegan Parmesan. For firmer polenta, reduce liquid by 1 cup. If using instant polenta, reduce cooking time to 5 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and scorching. Leftovers can be chilled, sliced, and grilled or baked.

Nutrition

Keywords: polenta, creamy polenta, parmesan polenta, rosemary polenta, Italian comfort food, gluten-free, easy polenta, holiday side dish

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-polenta-recipe-easy-parmesan-rosemary-italian-comfort-food/