Pesto Polenta recipe

If you’re looking for different easy side dish ideas, you’ll love this creamy pesto polenta recipe! Polenta al pesto is quick and easy to make, a gluten-free side dish option, and presents really well, so it works for either a weeknight option or an elevated meal (see my Lighter Truffled Polenta recipe as another example of a polenta dish worthy of a special occasion). This polenta with pesto is prepared in just minutes using instant polenta as a base, but the addition of pesto gives it a burst of garlicky, herby flavor to take it up a level. Click the Jump to Recipe button above to go straight to the polenta pesto recipe at the end of this post, or keep reading for some serving suggestions, recipe photos, and cooking tips.

What to serve with this polenta pesto recipe

Creamy polenta works well as either a side dish, or as a base for stews. Here are a few recipe suggestions for main dishes to serve with this pesto polenta recipe:

• Fennel, Garlic, and Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb
• Sheet Pan Mediterranean Halibut
• Baked Greek Chicken (Easy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Veggies)
• One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies
• Garlic-Rosemary Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
• Instant Pot Whole Chicken
• Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

What you need to make polenta al pesto

My recipe for polenta al pesto (AKA polenta with pesto) starts with instant dry polenta, upgraded with broth and milk for richness and creaminess. Though what makes this recipe special is the pesto, which takes it from a supporting side dish to a flavor-packed star on your dinner plate. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this polenta pesto recipe:

• 3 cups 2% milk
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dry instant polenta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup basil pesto, divided

How to make polenta with pesto

The first step in making this pesto polenta recipe is to combine milk, chicken stock, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Next, you’ll gradually add the instant dry polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk and cooking for 1 minute. Yes – just 1 minute!

Remove the polenta mixture from the heat source and stir in Parmesan cheese along with 3 tablespoons of the basil pesto until everything is well mixed together.

Serve the pesto polenta hot drizzled with the remaining 1 tablespoon of pesto. The extra pesto on top really ups the presentation. You can also include a drizzle of olive oil for looks and to add even more creaminess to the final dish.

Doesn’t this pesto polenta present beautifully? You’d never guess how quick and easy it was to prepare. Truly an example of everyday fabulousness.

Here’s the recipe for polenta with pesto! Enjoy, and if you love it, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe to let others know what you think!