A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Panna Cotta
An Italian dessert of sweetened cream, often served with fruit sauce. Pronounced with Italian vowels.
panna cotta
PAH-nah KOT-tah
/ˈpɑn nɑ ˈkɔt ə/ · pan · na · cot · ta
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter, creamy finish to their meal. It's also sometimes mentioned in food blogs or cooking shows.
Where the word comes from
From Italian 'panna cotta', literally meaning 'cooked cream'. It describes the method of preparation.
Common ways people get it wrong
- pan-uh-cot-uh The 'a' sounds in Italian are pure vowels, like the 'ah' in 'father', not the 'uh' sound in 'sofa'.
- pan-uh-cot The final 'a' is a distinct syllable and should be pronounced, not dropped.
Frequently asked
How do you say panna cotta in Italian?
The Italian pronunciation is very close to the English respelling: PAH-nah KOT-tah. The key is to keep the vowel sounds pure and distinct.
What does panna cotta mean?
Panna cotta literally translates to 'cooked cream' in Italian. This refers to the way the dessert is made by simmering cream.
Is panna cotta like pudding?
While both are creamy desserts, panna cotta has a firmer, more gelatinous texture than most puddings. It's made with cream, sugar, and gelatin, then chilled.
