Classic Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Sage Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smooth and creamy polenta enriched with Parmesan cheese, finished with a fragrant sage-infused butter sauce. This italian-inspired gluten free (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs water, coarse cornmeal (polenta), salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1 cup coarse cornmeal, reducing heat to low. Cook gently, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 25-30 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Step 4: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 8 fresh sage leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter is fragrant and the leaves are crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour the sage butter over the polenta, season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately as a comforting side or base for your favorite dishes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Sage Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (5 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Sage Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Sage Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Sage Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Classic Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Sage Butter vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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