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Creamy Parmesan Polenta

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Do you ever create a really delicious meal, that may or may not require a lot of steps, then realize that you forgot to make something to go with it? Oh come on, it can’t just be me! Creamy Parmesan Polenta is the answer to your “I forgot to make a side dish” prayers!! It goes with just about everything that I can think of, especially beef, pork, and shrimp…..

This thick and Creamy Parmesan Polenta makes a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beef, pork, and shrimp, and it's ready in minutes | COPYRIGHT © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS

I recently made Instant Pot Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs {try and say that three times fast} and the most amazing Creamy Parmesan Polenta…..

Instant Pot Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs with Creamy Parmesan Polenta | COPYRIGHT © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS

It is thick and creamy, and incredibly easy to make…which is what makes it the perfect side dish.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta

Bring 4 1/2 cups of water and a 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to a boil.

Slowly add the polenta to the water while stirring to keep it from clumping together…..

Creamy Parmesan Polenta recipe add COPYRIGHT © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS

Once the mixture has thickened, after about 3 minutes, reduce heat and stir in the butter…..

Creamy Parmesan Polenta recipe butter COPYRIGHT © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS

Once the butter is melted and incorporated, stir in the Parmesan cheese…..

Creamy Parmesan Polenta recipe cheese COPYRIGHT © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS

Serve immediately…..

This Creamy Parmesan Polenta is ready in minutes and makes a delicious side dish | COPYRIGHT © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS

The velvety texture and subtle flavors blend beautifully with your favorite protein. I showed you the Beef Short Ribs above, but I used a slightly different version last year to go along with my Tuscan Stuffed Pork Loin…..

Moist and tender Tuscan Stuffed Pork Loin served on a bed of creamy polenta and drizzled with balsamic glaze that is perfect for any special occasion cookingwithcurls.com #EntertainandPair #ad

I used the whole box of DELALLO Instant Polenta, which created a stiffer polenta than I was looking for today…and I also had to thin it out a bit with milk. This Creamy Parmesan Polenta was the perfect consistency, which is why it gets it’s own post! 😉

Notes:

  • Goat cheese or white cheddar cheese could also be used in place of the Parmesan cheese if you prefer.
  • For additional flavor substitute chicken stock for the water.
  • For extra-creamy, substitute milk for half of the water.
  • Feel free to add herbs and seasonings if desired. Let the flavor intensity of your protein be your guide. I prefer a subtle, background flavor for my polenta.

Now if I could only come up with a super, simple vegetable to have on hand, LOL

Enjoy!!

Thick and Creamy Parmesan Polenta in a white bowl.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta

This thick and Creamy Parmesan Polenta makes a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beef, pork, and shrimp, and it's ready in minutes!
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: traditional polenta recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 356kcal
Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

  • 4 ½ cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup instant polenta
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Bring 4 1/2 cups of water and a 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to a boil.
  • Slowly add the polenta to the water while stirring to keep it from clumping together.
  • Once the mixture has thickened, after about 3 minutes, reduce heat and stir in the butter.
  • Once the butter is melted and incorporated, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately

Notes

  • Goat cheese or white cheddar cheese could also be used in place of the Parmesan cheese if you prefer.
  • For additional flavor substitute chicken stock for the water.
  • For extra-creamy, substitute milk for half of the water.
  • Feel free to add herbs and seasonings if desired. Let the flavor intensity of your protein be your guide. I prefer a subtle, background flavor for my polenta.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 651IU | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 1mg

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