Polenta with Creamy Spinach
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Polenta with Creamy Spinach recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish combining the silky smoothness of Parmesan-infused polenta with a luxuriously creamy spinach topping. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic, nutmeg, and freshly cracked black pepper, this dish strikes a balance between rustic simplicity and gourmet sophistication. Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh baby spinach and coarse cornmeal, it's a satisfying vegetarian option that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy dinner parties. Serve this irresistible combination as a main course or a decadent side dish, and don’t forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.333 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 cups Baby spinach, fresh
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg, ground
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for spinach)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil.
2. Gradually whisk in the polenta in a steady stream to avoid clumping. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the polenta thickens and becomes tender—about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, a few handfuls at a time, and cook until wilted—about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
7. To serve, spoon the warm polenta onto a plate or shallow bowl and top it with the creamy spinach mixture.
8. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1795 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.6 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.1 g | 231% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 209 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 4182 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 201.4 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.4 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 625 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1560 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
