Description
Looking for a cozy, meatless dinner idea that’s both creamy and bursting with flavor? This Creamy Garlic Polenta with Mushrooms is a warm bowl of comfort that’s easy to love and simple to make. With a luscious garlic-parmesan polenta base and golden sautéd mushrooms on top, this dish delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. It’s a great addition to your easy dinner lineup, ideal for weeknights, dinner ideas, or when you’re in need of satisfying food ideas that are both hearty and healthy. Whether you’re vegetarian or just polenta-curious, this easy recipe is a keeper for quick meals, healthy snacks, and breakfast-for-dinner vibes.
Ingredients
4 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup coarse-ground cornmeal (polenta)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium pot, bring vegetable broth or water to a gentle boil.
2. Slowly whisk in polenta while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Lower heat and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once creamy, stir in garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Season with salt.
5. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium.
6. Add mushrooms and sauté for 8–10 minutes until browned.
7. Add garlic and herbs in the final 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Spoon polenta into bowls and top with the sautéed mushrooms.
9. Garnish with extra herbs and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
To loosen leftover polenta, stir in a splash of hot broth or water when reheating.
Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: creamy polenta, vegetarian dinner, mushroom recipe, easy recipe, comfort food