DELICIOUS Italian Creamy Polenta Recipe

DELICIOUS Italian Creamy Polenta Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Billy Parisi on YouTube.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $6.59 total, $1.65 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and small‑diced (≈¼‑inch pieces))
  • 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium; can substitute vegetable stock or water)
  • 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal (medium grind, coarse texture)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, softened)
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (for garnish) (shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Flat‑Leaf Parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Dice Onion and Mince Garlic

    Trim the ends off the yellow onion, halve it, peel one half, and dice the onion into ¼‑inch cubes. Place in a bowl. Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of the knife and mince finely. Set aside with the onion.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Onion

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns lightly golden (about 3‑4 minutes).

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Add Garlic

    Reduce the heat slightly, add the minced garlic, and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Turn the heat down if you see the garlic starting to brown.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  4. Add Stock and Bring to Boil

    Pour in 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock/water). Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: High

  5. Whisk in Cornmeal

    With the pot at a gentle boil, slowly drizzle the 1 cup yellow cornmeal into the pot while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  6. Cook Polenta

    Reduce heat to medium‑low and continue whisking the polenta for 15‑20 minutes, or until it reaches an al‑dente bite and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  7. Finish with Butter and Cheese

    Stir in 2 Tbsp unsalted butter until melted, then add ½ cup grated Parmesan, ½ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp cracked black pepper. Whisk until fully incorporated and the polenta is glossy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Spoon the creamy polenta into serving bowls. Top each with 2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped Italian flat‑leaf parsley. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (if using vegetable stock), Gluten‑Free (ensure cornmeal is certified GF), Nut‑Free

Allergens: Dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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DELICIOUS Italian Creamy Polenta Recipe

Recipe by Chef Billy Parisi

A classic Italian creamy polenta made with yellow cornmeal, chicken stock, butter, and fresh Parmesan. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a base for proteins, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.59
Total cost
$1.65
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whisk the cornmeal continuously while adding it to prevent lumps
  • Cook the polenta to an al‑dente bite (about 15‑20 minutes)
  • Do not let the garlic burn; it turns bitter quickly

Safety Warnings

  • Hot liquid and steam can cause burns – handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Garlic burns quickly; keep heat low once added.
  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingertips curled when dicing onion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of polenta in Italian cuisine?

A

Polenta has been a staple in Northern Italian cooking for centuries, originally a peasant food made from coarse cornmeal. Over time it evolved into a versatile dish served as a creamy side or firm cake, often paired with hearty meats, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables.

cultural
Q

How does traditional Italian polenta differ from Southern U.S. grits?

A

Traditional Italian polenta uses yellow cornmeal with a medium‑coarse grind, while Southern grits are made from white corn or hominy and are ground finer, giving a smoother, cream‑of‑wheat‑like texture. Both are similar in preparation but differ in flavor and grain size.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of polenta exist within Italy?

A

In the Alpine regions, polenta is often served firm and grilled or fried. In the Po Valley, it is commonly cooked creamy and finished with butter and cheese. Some regions add herbs, mushrooms, or even sweet ingredients like honey and nuts for dessert versions.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is polenta traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Polenta is a comforting everyday staple but also appears at festive meals, especially in rural celebrations, harvest festivals, and as a base for special dishes like braised meats or seafood during holiday feasts.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for classic Italian polenta?

A

The core ingredients are yellow cornmeal (medium grind), water or stock, salt, and often butter and Parmesan cheese. Olive oil is used for sautéing aromatics, and fresh herbs like parsley may be added for garnish.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with creamy polenta?

A

Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, osso buco, grilled sausage, mushroom ragù, or seafood such as scallops and shrimp. It also works as a base for tomato‑based sauces or hearty stews.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making polenta?

A

Common errors include adding cornmeal without whisking, which creates lumps; cooking at too high a heat, causing scorching; and over‑cooking, which makes the polenta dry. Also, burning the garlic will add bitterness.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use chicken stock instead of water for the base?

A

Chicken stock adds depth of flavor and richness, enhancing the creamy texture and complementing the Parmesan. Water can be used for a lighter version, but the stock gives the dish its savory backbone.

technical
Q

How do I know when the polenta is done cooking?

A

The polenta is done when it pulls away from the sides of the pot, has a smooth, glossy surface, and offers a slight al‑dente bite—soft but with a faint resistance to the teeth.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Billy Parisi specialize in?

A

Chef Billy Parisi’s YouTube channel focuses on approachable, classic Italian cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern home‑cook practicality.

channel
Q

How does Chef Billy Parisi’s approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Chef Billy Parisi emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, often using everyday kitchen tools and clear, concise instructions, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate presentations or advanced techniques.

channel

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