Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms : Your New Family Favorite!

Name: Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta; 4 cups vegetable broth or water; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Posted on December 29, 2025

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This creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy dinner that your family will absolutely love! You can easily switch up the mushrooms or toss in any veggies you have lying around to suit your taste, making it a fantastic “clean out the fridge” meal. Trust me, it’s a weeknight wonder that everyone will get excited about!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, let’s get our shopping list sorted out for this delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy goodness:

1 cup polenta : This is your base! Polenta is surprisingly versatile and the heart of the dish.
4 cups vegetable broth or water :For a richer flavor, I totally recommend the broth, but water works just fine in a pinch!
2 tablespoons butter : Because everything’s better with butter, am I right? It adds richness and creaminess.
4 cloves garlic, minced : Can’t get enough garlic? Me too! Adjust this to your taste, of course.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced : Any mushrooms will work shiitake, button, or even a hearty portobello. Just choose your favorite!
Salt and pepper to taste : A couple pinches will do; we want to enhance those flavors without overpowering them!
Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) : If you want to take this to the next level, a sprinkle of Parmesan will melt beautifully on top.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring your liquid to a boil. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil over medium-high heat, this usually takes about 5 minutes or so.
Whisk in the polenta. Gradually whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low. You want to stir it gently to avoid lumps. Just keep whisking!
Cook until thick. Continue whisking occasionally for about 20-30 minutes until it thickens to a creamy texture. You should see it pulling away from the sides of the pot slightly.
Melt the butter. Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it sizzle for a moment, ah, that rich smell is heavenly!
Add the garlic. Toss in the minced garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! We want it soft and aromatic, not brown.
Cook the mushrooms. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. They’ll get this lovely caramelized color and enhance that umami flavor!
Season it up. Once the mushrooms are looking perfect, season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. This really brings the whole dish together!
Serve it. Finally, serve the creamy polenta topped with those sautéed mushrooms. I like to sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top for a little extra flavor. Delicious!

A Little Bit About Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms is my go-to recipe when I want something warm, comforting, and devoid of fuss. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! Plus, I love that I can throw in just about any vegetable I have on hand. If I’m ever feeling adventurous, I might even add in some kale or spinach, cleaneating, right? Honestly, I’m a real sucker for polenta; it’s just the ultimate comfort food! And the best part is, it makes fantastic leftovers, or you can freeze the extra for later.

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms, be sure to check out my Three-Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes, my Delicious Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey, or my Korean Spicy Rice Cake Skewers!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

You’ll have this on the table in about 30 minutes perfect for a busy weeknight!

One Pot Wonder

Everything comes together all in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. That’s a total win in my book!

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses affordable and easy-to-find ingredients, making it friendly on your wallet, yay!

Customizable

Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have lying around. Got some wilted spinach? Toss it in!

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor and oh-so-comforting, making it the perfect cozy dinner option.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic polenta is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or some roasted veggies! Try it with grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal.

Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), store the polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can simply return it to a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen it up again. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze the polenta! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

And that’s it! This Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms is a delightful go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation! Enjoy! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.