Soft polenta with mushrooms and spinach for a comforting dish
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 30 Oct 2025
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This vegetarian dish of soft polenta with mushrooms and spinach offers a delightful blend of textures and flavours, making it a comforting choice for any meal. Instant polenta creates a creamy base that pairs beautifully with sautéed mushrooms and the vibrant freshness of baby leaf spinach, while a hint of garlic adds depth to every bite. Topped with grated Parmesan and finished with a touch of butter, it’s a warming plate that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a leisurely weekend brunch.
Ideal for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal, this easy recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. Packed with fibre and vitamins from the spinach and mushrooms, it’s a wholesome option that fits seamlessly into a balanced vegetarian diet. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or with a poached egg for an extra protein boost and a delightful twist.
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Ingredients for Soft polenta with mushrooms and spinach
150 g instant polenta
75 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil, for greasing and frying
150 g mushrooms, sliced (just one kind or a mixture)
1 garlic clove, crushed
150 g baby leaf spinach
1 egg
A small knob of butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to season
How to make Soft polenta with mushrooms and spinach
In a large pan, bring 750 ml of water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
Whisk the boiling water as you gradually sprinkle in the polenta. Cook the mixture for 3–5 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, adding extra boiling water if necessary until the polenta is soft.
Grate in nearly all of the Parmesan. Taste and season with freshly ground black pepper and more salt if needed.
When cooked, pour half of the polenta onto a greased flat plate and cover with cling film. Place in the fridge for later use.
While the polenta is cooking, heat a small splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the mushrooms for around 10 minutes until golden.
Add the garlic to the mushrooms and cook briefly, then season with salt and pepper.
Remove the mushrooms from the frying pan and add the spinach. Stir-fry the spinach until just wilted, then remove it from the pan.
If needed, add another small splash of olive oil to the pan and fry an egg to your liking.
Stir the butter into the cooked polenta and spoon it into a deep plate.
Arrange the sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach on top of the polenta and finish with the fried egg.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then top with the remaining slices of Parmesan.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
30 Oct 2025 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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