Best 12 Polenta With Spinach Recipes

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Polenta with spinach is a satisfying and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made with just a few simple ingredients, polenta is a cornmeal-based dish that originated in Northern Italy. When combined with fresh spinach, it creates a colorful and flavorful meal that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether you prefer a creamy and cheesy polenta or a hearty and rustic version, there are numerous recipes to suit your taste preferences. This article will explore some of the best polenta with spinach recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a delicious and successful culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPINACH-AND-CHEESE PORK CHOPS WITH POLENTA



Spinach-and-Cheese Pork Chops with Polenta image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 18-ounce tube prepared polenta, sliced into 12 rounds
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 thin bone-in center-cut pork loin chops (about 5 ounces each)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 5-ounce package baby spinach (about 6 cups)
4 slices provolone cheese
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 jarred cherry peppers or pepperoncini, drained and sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and add the polenta in a single layer; brush both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, season the pork chops on both sides with the rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add the pork chops and cook until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate baking sheet.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and cook until just golden, 1 minute. Add the spinach and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Top the pork chops with the spinach and 1 cheese slice each; bake until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the broth to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Add the butter and stir until melted. Top the pork with the pan sauce and peppers; serve with the polenta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 567 calorie, Fat 36 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Cholesterol 111 milligrams, Sodium 1129 milligrams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 34 grams

POLENTA AL FORNO WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA AND FONTINA



Polenta al Forno With Spinach, Ricotta and Fontina image

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound spinach
2 cups ricotta
Salt and pepper
Pinch cayenne
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
4 ounces fontina or Swiss cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons butter
Basic soft polenta (see recipe), kept warm

Steps:

  • Blanch spinach briefly in a large pot of boiling water, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and cool. Squeeze all excess moisture from spinach and roughly chop.
  • In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach and ricotta. Season with salt and pepper, then add cayenne, lemon zest, half the Parmesan and all but 2 tablespoons of the fontina and stir well.
  • Butter a 9- by 12-inch casserole dish. Ladle in half of the warm, soft polenta and spread with a spatula to make a thin layer. Spoon spinach mixture evenly over it. Top with remaining soft polenta and spread to smooth the surface. (May be made ahead up to this point, then covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.)
  • Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and fontina. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

SOFT POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND SPINACH



Soft Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach image

In this easy dinner, instant polenta, mushrooms, spinach and an egg get you a plate of comfort food for one in only 15 minutes.

Provided by Janneke Vreugdenhil

Categories     HarperCollins     Dinner     Mushroom     Spinach     Vegetarian     Parmesan     Quick & Easy     Soy Free     Peanut Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Tree Nut Free

Yield 1 serving, with leftovers

Number Of Ingredients 9

150 g (about 1 cup) instant polenta
75 g (2.6 ounces) Parmesan cheese (about 3/4 cup grated)
Olive oil, for greasing and frying
150 g (5 1/4 ounces) mushrooms (just one kind or a mixture), sliced into smaller pieces, if necessary
1 garlic clove, crushed
150 g (5 1/4 ounces) baby leaf spinach
1 egg
A small knob of butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to season

Steps:

  • In a pan, bring 3 cups water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Stir with a whisk as you sprinkle the polenta into the boiling water. Let the mixture cook for 3-5 minutes, or for the time given in the packet instructions. Add extra (boiling) water if necessary, the polenta should be nice and soft. Grate in nearly all of the Parmesan. Taste and season with freshly ground pepper and more salt, if necessary.
  • When cooked, pour half of the polenta onto a flat plate that you've greased with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for tomorrow.
  • While the polenta cooks, sauté the mushrooms in a small splash of olive oil over a medium-high heat for around 10 minutes. Add the garlic at the end and cook briefly, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the mushrooms from the pan and add the spinach. Stir-fry the spinach until just wilted. Remove the spinach from the pan and fry an egg (you might need to add another small splash of olive oil).
  • Stir the butter into the cooked polenta and spoon it into a deep plate. Arrange the mushrooms and spinach on the polenta and top with the fried egg. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Top with the rest of the Parmesan, in slices.

POLENTA 'PIZZA' WITH PANCETTA AND SPINACH



Polenta 'Pizza' With Pancetta and Spinach image

Everything is fair game at breakfast - and long has been, of course - but to most Americans it doesn't seem appropriate to start making what amounts to dinner at 7 in the morning. This pizza could be considered dinner or lunch fare, but it makes a hearty first meal of the day.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, pizza and calzones, appetizer

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, more for pan
1/2 cup milk, preferably whole
Salt
1 cup coarse cornmeal
Freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup (about 4 ounces) chopped pancetta
1 pound spinach, washed, trimmed and dried
1 to 1 1/2 cups Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450 degrees; brush a layer of olive oil on a pizza pan or cookie sheet. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk with 2 1/2 cups water and a large pinch of salt. Bring just about to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and add cornmeal in a steady stream, whisking all the while to prevent lumps from forming. Turn heat to low and simmer, whisking frequently, until thick, 10 or 15 minutes. If mixture becomes too thick, whisk in a bit more water; you want a consistency approaching thick oatmeal.
  • Stir 1 tablespoon oil into cooked cornmeal (polenta). Spoon it onto prepared pan, working quickly so polenta does not stiffen; spread it evenly to a thickness of about 1/2 inch all over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover baking sheet with plastic wrap and put it in refrigerator until it is firm, an hour or more (you can refrigerate polenta overnight if you prefer).
  • Put polenta in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it begins to brown and crisp on edges. Meanwhile, put two tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and pancetta is nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to take onion and pancetta out of pan; set aside. Add spinach to skillet and sauté until it releases its water and pan becomes dry; sprinkle with salt and lots of pepper.
  • Take polenta out of oven, sprinkle with Gorgonzola, then spread onion-pancetta mixture and spinach evenly on top of cheese; drizzle with another tablespoon olive oil. Put pizza back in oven for two minutes, or until cheese begins to melt and pancetta and vegetables are warmed through. Cut into slices and serve hot or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 586, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 778 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

POLENTA WITH SPINACH



Polenta with Spinach image

Provided by James Beard

Categories     Side     Bake     High Fiber     Lemon     Cornmeal     Spinach     Winter     House & Garden

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 packages frozen spinach
1 clove garlic, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 recipe polenta
Butter
Grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Cut the frozen blocks of spinach into small pieces and place in a heavy skillet without water. Cover the pan and heat the spinach just until it is thoroughly thawed. Drain and chop very fine. Blend the chopped spinach with the garlic, lemon juice, salt and olive oil. Oil an oval or square baking dish and put the spinach in the bottom. Top with polenta, dot with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 375°F. oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the polenta is delicately brown. Serve as an accompaniment to beef, veal or pork dishes.

POLENTA AND SPINACH SOUP



Polenta and Spinach Soup image

Extra-virgin olive oil, which has a distinct taste and is ideal for dressings and drizzling, serves as the base for this polenta and spinach soup.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup plus 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach (about 2 ounces)
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • Heat 1/4 cup oil and the garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add 6 cups water; bring to a boil. Whisking constantly, add cornmeal in a slow, steady stream. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until soup has thickened slightly, about 8 minutes. Add cheese and 1/4 cup oil; cook, stirring, until oil is incorporated, about 1 minute. Stir in spinach and salt; cook, stirring, until spinach is bright green and wilted, about 1 minute more.
  • Divide soup among four bowls; drizzle each serving with 1 teaspoon oil. Season soup with pepper, and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 g, Cholesterol 8 g, Fat 35 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, Sodium 780 g

CREAMY POLENTA WITH SPINACH



Creamy polenta with spinach image

Delicious, comforting and ready in five minutes

Provided by Emma Lewis

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Side dish, Snack, Supper

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 3

175g quick-cook polenta
5 tbsp mascarpone
100g bag spinach

Steps:

  • Cook the polenta according to pack instructions. When the polenta is softened and smooth, stir through the mascarpone and spinach. Leave for 30 secs until the spinach has just begun to wilt, stir again and then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 33 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 5 grams protein, Sodium 0.14 milligram of sodium

POLENTA WITH FETA AND SPINACH



Polenta With Feta and Spinach image

I really love this combination and it is SUPER easy! My measurements are estimates: I pulled a 'soft polenta' recipe off of epicurious to calculate the water-to-dry polenta ratio, because I think a softer polenta is better in this application. Cheers.

Provided by KWB5015

Categories     Spinach

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 -6 cups water
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking polenta
3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
3 cups spinach, washed, spun dry and coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Prepare the polenta by boiling the water with the salt and butter or olive oil then adding the polenta in a steady stream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes (longer if you don't have the quick-cooking variety).
  • Spoon into shallow bowls and crumble feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with pepper.
  • Bring the spinach to the table in a separate bowl. Take as much spinach as you want/as will fit on top of your polenta and EAT getting a little polenta, cheese and spinach in each bite.
  • You can substitute chicken stock or vegetable stock for the water for more flavor but scale back the salt if you do. You can also add onion powder to the polenta or chopped green onion to the spinach. It is pretty versatile.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 181.2, Fat 16.7, SaturatedFat 11.1, Cholesterol 56.3, Sodium 1085, Carbohydrate 2.5, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.6, Protein 6.1

POLENTA WITH SPINACH AND PEAS (FOR ONE)



Polenta With Spinach and Peas (for One) image

Make and share this Polenta With Spinach and Peas (for One) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories     Grains

Time 35m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/3 cup coarse-grain polenta
1 1/2 cups water
salt
1/2 cup chopped cooked spinach (or broccoli or chard)
1/4 cup cooked peas (fresh or thawed frozen)
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese (or 2 tablespoons unsalted butter)
1 -2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Combine polenta and water in a small saucepan. Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking from time to time to break up any lumps that form.
  • Add salt, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until polenta is thick, pulls away from the sides of the pan, and is no longer grainy on the tongue, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach, peas, mascarpone and parmesan. Taste and adjust salt. Eat with a spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.7, Fat 3, SaturatedFat 1.1, Cholesterol 4.4, Sodium 110.8, Carbohydrate 38.2, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 2.7, Protein 7.8

ZESTY SHRIMP AND SPINACH POLENTA BAKE RECIPE BY TASTY



Zesty Shrimp And Spinach Polenta Bake Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: shrimp, olive oil, McCormick® Zesty Spice Blend, grape tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, medium-grind polenta, grated parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, baby spinach

Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec

Categories     Dinner

Time 33m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb shrimp, pelled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons McCormick® Zesty Spice Blend, divided
¾ cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup medium-grind polenta
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups baby spinach

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons McCormick® Zesty Spice Blend until well coated.
  • Heat a 9-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches of 5-6, cook the shrimp for 45 seconds on each side, until starting to turn golden and opaque. Transfer to a clean medium bowl and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil, remaining tablespoon McCormick® Zesty Spice Blend, and the tomatoes to the bowl with the shrimp and toss to combine.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and wipe out any crispy bits. Let the skillet cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chicken broth and cream, whisking to combine. Cook until the liquid begins to steam, about 5 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in the polenta, whisking well to prevent clumps from forming. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until the polenta is thick and the grains are tender, whisking constantly to prevent the polenta at the bottom of the pan from burning or clumping. Remove the pan from the heat.
  • Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and butter, then fold in the spinach. It will wilt from the residual heat.
  • Set an oven rack 3 inches from the broiler and turn the broiler on high.
  • Arrange the shrimp on top of the polenta in the pan and top with the tomatoes and any remaining marinade from the bowl.
  • Broil the skillet for 3 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid burning, until the polenta is golden brown and the tomatoes soften.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1006 calories, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 73 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 31 grams, Sugar 10 grams

POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND SPINACH



Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach image

As a vegetarian, I love coming up with new dishes that non-vegetarians will enjoy (and not miss the meat). This polenta with mushrooms and spinach recipe is so good, everyone always asks for the recipe. -Marcy Delpome, Stanhope, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tube (18 ounces) polenta, cut into 1/2" slices
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 shallot, chopped
1/2 cup sherry
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup vegetable broth
5 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Brush both sides of polenta slices with 1 tablespoon oil; place on a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes on each side or until crisp., Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and shallot; cook and stir 12-14 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms start to brown. Add sherry; cook, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan., In a small bowl, mix flour, salt and pepper; stir in broth until smooth. Stir into pan. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Add spinach; cook and stir over medium-low heat until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes., Arrange polenta on a platter; top with mushroom mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 97 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 295mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

BAKED POLENTA WITH SPINACH & GOAT'S CHEESE



Baked polenta with spinach & goat's cheese image

This Italian vegetarian recipe is smart enough for a dinner party, but has just six ingredients

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 garlic cloves , chopped
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
300g fresh spinach
500g pack ready-made polenta
1 tbsp olive oil
100g goat's cheese with rind, broken into chunks

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and boil the kettle. In a bowl, mix the garlic and tomatoes with seasoning, then pour into a large baking dish. Place the spinach in a large colander and pour boiling water over until wilted. Rinse in cold water and squeeze out all the excess water you can with your hands. Roughly chop, season, and scatter on top of the tomatoes.
  • Slice the polenta, then overlap on top of the spinach. Drizzle with the oil and bake in the oven for 10-15 mins. Scatter over the cheese and return to the oven for 5 mins more, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 26 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 12 grams protein, Sodium 1.6 milligram of sodium

Tips for Making the Best Polenta with Spinach

  • Use coarse polenta. Coarse polenta will give your dish a heartier texture than fine polenta.
  • Toast the polenta before cooking it. This will help to bring out its nutty flavor.
  • Use a flavorful broth. The broth you use to cook the polenta will impart a lot of flavor to the dish, so be sure to use a broth that you enjoy the taste of.
  • Add some fresh herbs. Fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, can help to brighten up the flavor of the polenta.
  • Don't overcook the spinach. Spinach cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, or it will become mushy.
  • Serve the polenta immediately. Polenta is best served hot, so be sure to serve it as soon as it is cooked.

Conclusion

Polenta with spinach is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even a breakfast cereal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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