Herb-Infused Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Thyme

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

Creamy polenta gently cooked with fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese, perfect as a comforting side or base for sautéed vegetables. This Italian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs water, fine cornmeal (polenta), fresh thyme sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 teaspoon sea salt to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1 cup fine cornmeal slowly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 25-30 minutes until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides.
  3. Step 3: Remove the thyme sprigs, then stir in 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm as a creamy base or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (5 min prep + 30 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 Herb-Infused Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Thyme?

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 Herb-Infused Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Thyme?

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 Herb-Infused Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Thyme 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.

What goes well with Herb-Infused Italian Polenta with Parmesan and Thyme?

Italian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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