Description
Creamy, comforting, and full of umami flavor, this Quick Polenta with Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms is a perfect easy dinner or hearty vegetarian main. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas on a busy night or a cozy healthy snack, this recipe delivers rustic flavor with minimal effort. It’s gluten-free, simple, and ready in just 25 minutes—ideal for easy recipe lovers and food ideas that nourish.
Ingredients
3 cups water
3/4 cup polenta (cornmeal)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
10 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon butter (for mushrooms)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a gentle boil. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup of polenta. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
2. Once the polenta is soft and creamy, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Cover and keep warm.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add 10 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon warm polenta into bowls. Top with garlic sautéed mushrooms. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
• Use a mix of mushrooms (like cremini and shiitake) for more texture and depth.
• Don’t skip the butter and Parmesan—these make the polenta rich and flavorful.
• To reheat polenta, stir in a splash of water or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/2 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: quick dinner, vegetarian, polenta, mushrooms, easy recipe