Imagine transforming humble cornmeal into a luxurious, velvety side dish in just 15 minutes - without endless stirring or constant monitoring. This Instant Pot Parmesan Polenta is your ticket to restaurant-quality comfort food that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Creamy, cheesy, and impossibly smooth, this Italian-inspired recipe proves that gourmet cooking can be both effortless and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Measure out all ingredients precisely: 1 cup polenta, 4 cups water or broth, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, and salt to taste.
- Pour the water or broth into the Instant Pot inner pot, ensuring you use the full 4 cups for creamy consistency.
- Add the polenta to the liquid, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the mixture to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting.
- Set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure, which will perfectly cook the polenta to a smooth texture.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking.
- Open the lid and immediately stir in the butter until completely melted and incorporated.
- Gradually fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and distributed evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Let the polenta rest for 2-3 minutes to achieve the ideal creamy consistency before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot as a delicious side dish or base for other recipes.
Tips
- Always use a 4:1 liquid to polenta ratio for the ultimate creamy texture.
- Whisk continuously when adding polenta to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for an extra layer of flavor.
- For extra richness, substitute half the butter with mascarpone cheese.
- Let the polenta rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to achieve the ideal consistency.
- If the polenta becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little warm liquid to restore creaminess.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for unique flavor profiles.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as polenta will continue to thicken as it cools.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
