Soft & Buttery Barefoot Contessa’s Creamy Parmesan Polenta Recipe

Warm, velvety Parmesan polenta from the Barefoot Contessa recipe melts effortlessly on your plate, promising comfort in every spoonful.

creamy textures and rich flavors dance together, creating a luxurious side dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Silky cornmeal transforms into a golden masterpiece with simple ingredients and expert technique.

Italy’s beloved comfort food becomes accessible through this straightforward method.

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The recipe whispers elegance without demanding complicated skills.

You’ll fall in love with this smooth, decadent polenta that turns any meal into a gourmet experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Parmesan Polenta

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra polenta in airtight containers for easy weeknight meals. Refrigerated portions stay fresh up to 4-5 days.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Revive cold polenta by adding a splash of chicken stock or milk while warming. Stir gently over low heat to restore creamy texture and prevent scorching.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled polenta into freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick side dishes or base for other recipes.
• Creative Leftover Transformation: Cut chilled polenta into squares, pan-fry until crispy golden edges develop. Top with marinara sauce, additional Parmesan, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a delicious repurposed meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Chicken Stock: Provides a rich, savory foundation that infuses deep flavor into the polenta, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and subtle pungent notes, select fresh, firm cloves for maximum flavor intensity.

• Cornmeal: Creates the creamy, smooth base of the polenta, opt for stone-ground varieties for superior texture and authentic taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant flavor profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a nutty, sharp taste that elevates the dish, choose freshly grated for maximum melting and flavor complexity.
• Crème Fraîche: Introduces luxurious smoothness and subtle tanginess, select high-quality, full-fat version for best results.
• Butter: Adds silky richness and rounds out the flavor, use unsalted to control salt levels in the final dish.

Tools Needed for Parmesan Polenta

• Large saucepan: Essential for boiling stock and cooking polenta.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly incorporating cornmeal without lumps.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and scraping pan bottom during simmering.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for precise salt and pepper measurements.
• Cheese grater: Useful for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Serving dish: For presenting the creamy, hot polenta.

Steps to Cook Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Stock Preparation

Kick off your culinary adventure by bringing chicken stock to a rolling boil in a spacious saucepan. Toss in aromatic garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Cornmeal Magic

Dial down the heat and gently cascade cornmeal into the bubbling liquid. Whisk with enthusiasm to banish any potential lumps from forming.

• Simmering Symphony

Transition to a trusty wooden spoon and let the mixture dance on low heat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and encourage a creamy texture.

• Cheese Finale

Pull the pan off the heat and welcome a trio of decadent ingredients: Parmesan, crème fraîche, and butter. Blend until luxuriously smooth and taste for perfect seasoning.

• Serving Delight

Transfer the velvety polenta to warm plates. Crown with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a gorgeous finishing touch that’ll make taste buds sing.

Flavor Boosts for Parmesan Polenta

• Gradually add cornmeal while whisking vigorously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, creamy texture in your polenta.
• Swap chicken stock with vegetable stock or half-and-half milk for different flavor profiles and richer consistency.
• Experiment with aged Pecorino Romano or sharp cheddar alongside Parmesan to create more complex, robust cheese notes.
• Top polenta with roasted vegetables, crispy pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, or herb-infused olive oil for extra gourmet appeal.
• Prepare polenta in advance, spread in a baking dish, chill, then slice and pan-fry for a delightful crispy exterior when reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Polenta

• Elevate Your Main Course Companion: Serve this creamy polenta alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or braised short ribs for a luxurious dinner experience.
• Transform into Comfort Food Base: Spoon hearty meat ragouts, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables directly over the polenta to create a satisfying one-bowl meal.
• Create Elegant Breakfast Option: Top with a perfectly poached egg, crispy bacon bits, and fresh herbs for a gourmet morning twist that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Present as Party-Perfect Side Dish: Spread the warm polenta in a shallow serving dish, garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and watch guests dive in with delight.

Silky Parmesan Polenta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy parmesan polenta delights home cooks with classic Italian comfort. Rich cheese and smooth cornmeal create a luxurious side dish perfect for sophisticated dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 170 grams (6 oz) yellow cornmeal
• 1 litre (33.8 fl oz) chicken stock
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 60 milliliters (2 fl oz) crème fraîche
• 30 grams (1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Liquid Preparation: Bring chicken stock to a rolling boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, infusing with minced garlic for an aromatic foundation.
2. Cornmeal Integration: Gradually whisk cornmeal into the simmering stock, maintaining constant motion to eliminate potential lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform texture.
3. Cooking and Seasoning: Reduce heat to medium-low, stir with a wooden spoon, and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, continuously stirring to prevent scorching and achieve a creamy, thick consistency.
4. Enrichment and Finishing: Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese, crème fraîche, and unsalted butter. Blend thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, glossy emulsion with depth of flavor.
5. Serving and Presentation: Immediately transfer the hot polenta to serving dishes, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance both visual appeal and taste complexity.

Notes

• Prevent Lumps: Continuously whisk cornmeal while adding to hot stock to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without unwanted clumps.
• Monitor Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer and stir frequently to avoid scorching and achieve perfect consistency.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smooth melting compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Serve Immediately: Polenta sets quickly, so transfer to warm dishes right away to preserve its creamy, luxurious consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg