Romantic Truffle Gnocchi

Name: Romantic Truffle Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of mashed potatoes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; Salt to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon truffle oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely adore making Romantic Truffle Gnocchi as a special treat for my loved ones. The combination of delicate gnocchi with the earthy aroma of truffles creates a dish that's both luxurious and comforting. As I prepare this dish, I'm reminded of cozy evenings spent together, savoring each bite. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the gnocchi, and the hint of truffle oil elevates it to a whole new level. It's a delightful way to show someone you care, and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home!

Created by

Harriet Bloom

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:41:34.858Z

When I first made Romantic Truffle Gnocchi for a date night, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out. The combination of flavors is phenomenal, with the earthiness of the truffle oil balancing perfectly with the creamy sauce. I also learned that using freshly made gnocchi rather than store-bought makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor, so I always opt for homemade when I can.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with different types of truffle oil and found that a few drops of a high-quality oil really enhances the final dish. A subtle drizzle before serving brings out the truffle aroma beautifully, creating an unforgettable dining experience. It’s become my go-to recipe for any romantic occasion!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy sauce with a hint of truffle that excites the palate
Delicate gnocchi that are light yet filling, making it a perfect romantic dish
Quick to prepare, yet sophisticated enough for special dinners

      

The Art of Making Gnocchi

Making gnocchi can be a delicate process, and the key is to ensure that the mashed potatoes are dry to avoid a gummy texture. Start with potatoes that have been baked rather than boiled, as this retains less moisture. Aim for a light, fluffy consistency by mashing them without any lumps. If you find your dough too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—adding too much flour can lead to dense gnocchi.

When rolling out the dough into logs, aim for a thickness similar to your thumb. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking. As you drop the gnocchi into boiling salted water, they should only be added in small batches to avoid clumping. Watch for them to float to the surface, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they do, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate, ensuring you handle them gently to maintain their shape.

Crafting a Luxurious Sauce

The sauce for this dish plays a pivotal role, balancing the rich flavors of gnocchi with a creamy texture. When heating the heavy cream, do so over medium heat; avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. Stir continuously to maintain an even temperature, ensuring the cream becomes glossy and thickens slightly—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. It's essential to cook the sauce just enough to integrate the cheese without losing its creaminess.

Incorporating the Parmesan cheese slowly is crucial; it should melt smoothly into the cream, creating a cohesive sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a splash of pasta cooking water. The addition of truffle oil not only enhances the sauce but also brings an aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish. Make sure to taste before seasoning, as the cheese can already add saltiness.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

2 cups of mashed potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
Salt to taste

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon truffle oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients until a dough forms. Roll and cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect gnocchi!

Instructions

Make the Gnocchi

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. Knead gently until a soft dough forms. Roll into logs and cut into small pieces. Boil in salted water until they float.

Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, then add the truffle oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them and add them to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Enjoy your romantic dinner!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before tossing with the gnocchi.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

One common issue with gnocchi is that they can become heavy if too much flour is added. If your dough feels dense or overly sticky, try adding just a tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve the right consistency. Conversely, if you over-knead the dough, it could lose its light texture. Be gentle during the mixing process; you want a soft, pliable consistency, not a tough dough.

Another potential pitfall is the sauce separating. To prevent this, make sure to keep the heat at medium and avoid any high heat when cooking the cream. If your sauce does separate, you could try whisking it vigorously or adding a small amount of room temperature cream to bring it back together. In the future, maintaining a steady temperature is key to a successful sauce.

Variations and Additions

While this recipe highlights the luxury of truffles, you can easily customize the sauce for different flavor profiles. For example, adding sautéed mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, can enhance the earthy flavor and add a delightful texture. Simply cook them in butter before adding the heavy cream, allowing their juices to mix in for an even richer sauce.

You can also explore adding vegetables, such as wilted spinach or roasted butternut squash, for added color and nutrition. If you're looking for a lighter version, you could substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken stock, creating a lighter sauce that maintains a nice flavor balance. Experimenting with fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add interesting notes to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead?

Yes, but homemade gnocchi will provide a fresher taste and texture.

→ What type of truffle oil should I use?

Opt for high-quality white or black truffle oil to enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the gnocchi and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.