Polenta con Salsiccia e Funghi (Polenta with Sausage and Mushrooms)

Creamy polenta with sausage and mushrooms is a rustic Italian comfort dish where soft, buttery cornmeal acts as the base for a deeply savoury topping. The polenta should be smooth and spoonable, rich with Parmesan, while the sausage brings browned, meaty depth and the mushrooms add earthy umami. A splash of dry white wine and hot stock turns the pan juices into a light sauce that soaks into the polenta rather than weighing it down. Served in bowls with parsley and extra cheese, it makes a warming dinner that feels generous without being complicated.
Cuisine style Italian comfort food
Flavor profile Creamy • Savoury • Umami-rich
Techniques Sautéing • Simmering • Whisking
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Deep savoury base: Browning the sausage first leaves flavourful fat in the pan for the onion, mushrooms and garlic.
  • Balanced richness: Dry white wine lifts the sausage and mushrooms, while stock turns the browned pan juices into a light sauce.
  • Creamy polenta: Whisking the polenta into hot stock and finishing with butter and Parmesan gives it a smooth, rounded texture.

Get the most out of this recipe

Texture tips

  • For smoother polenta: Whisk the polenta in gradually rather than tipping it in all at once, then stir often as it thickens.
  • Loosen before serving: Polenta firms as it sits, so add a splash of hot stock and stir until creamy again if needed.
  • Keep the heat gentle: Once the polenta starts to thicken, low heat helps it cook evenly without catching or turning gritty.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose a good sausage: Italian pork sausage brings seasoning, fat and savoury depth, so use one with a flavour you enjoy.
  • Use dry white wine: A dry white wine keeps the pan sauce savoury and bright rather than sweet.
  • Let mushrooms brown: Cook the mushrooms until their moisture evaporates before adding the garlic, so they develop better flavour.

Ingredient swaps

  • Without wine: Replace the white wine with chicken stock for an alcohol-free version, scraping the pan well to capture the browned bits.
  • Cheese alternative: Grana Padano can stand in for Parmesan if you prefer a slightly milder, sweeter finish.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the topping ahead: The sausage and mushroom mixture can be cooked in advance and reheated gently while the polenta is made fresh.
  • Store separately if possible: Keeping the polenta and topping in separate containers makes reheating easier and helps preserve the sauce texture.
  • Reheat with extra stock: Warm leftover polenta gently with a splash of hot stock, stirring often until it becomes creamy again.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Finely chop the onion, slice the mushrooms, and finely chop the garlic. Grate the parmesan and finely chop the parsley. Keep the chicken stock hot in a saucepan over a low heat.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up, until well browned. Transfer the sausage to a bowl, leaving the fat in the pan.
  3. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until their liquid has evaporated and they are browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until reduced by about half. Stir the sausage back in and add 150 ml of the hot chicken stock to make a light pan sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, then take off the heat while you finish the polenta.
  5. Bring the remaining chicken stock to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the polenta in a steady stream, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until thick and smooth. Stir in the butter and most of the parmesan, reserving a little to finish.
  6. Warm the sausage and mushroom mixture over a low heat for 1 to 2 minutes if needed. Spoon the polenta into bowls and top with the sausage, mushrooms, and pan sauce. Finish with the reserved parmesan and the parsley.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, whisk the polenta in gradually and keep the heat low once it starts to thicken to prevent lumps and sticking.
  • If the polenta becomes too thick before serving, loosen it with a splash of hot chicken stock until creamy again.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use parmesan made with pasteurised milk.

Substitutions

  • Replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken stock for an alcohol-free version.
  • Replace parmesan with grana-padano-cheese for a slightly milder, sweeter finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of chicken stock, stirring often, until piping hot and creamy; warm the sausage and mushrooms separately or together on a low heat.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 45min (40min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk
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