Italian Herb-Infused Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms

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

Silky polenta enriched with a medley of wild mushrooms sautéed with garlic and fresh Italian herbs for an earthy, comforting side. This italian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs polenta (coarse cornmeal), water, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta, reducing heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: While polenta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced wild mushrooms and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until mushrooms are golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary into the mushrooms. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Step 4: Remove polenta from heat and stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Spoon polenta onto plates, top with the sautéed mushroom mixture, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Herb-Infused Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Italian Herb-Infused Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms?

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 polenta (coarse cornmeal) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Herb-Infused Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms?

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 Italian Herb-Infused Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms 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.

Is Italian Herb-Infused Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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