If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug but with a touch of elegant luxury, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe. This dish marries pillowy soft potato gnocchi with a rich, velvety sauce bursting with the earthy aroma of truffle and the nutty, savory depth of Parmesan. Every bite is a delicious dance of textures and flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is that the ingredients list is simple but mighty in contributing to the magic of the dish. Each element plays a crucial part, whether it’s the creamy richness, the subtle garlic kick, or the luxurious hint of truffle that makes this meal unforgettable.
- 1 lb potato gnocchi: The star of the dish, tender little potato dumplings that soak up every bit of sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky smooth base for the sauce and helps gently cook the garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts a fragrant aroma and subtle savory depth without overpowering the truffle.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
- 1–2 teaspoons truffle oil: The secret ingredient for that unmistakable earthy perfume—start small and add to taste.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing everything together.
- Extra shaved Parmesan: For garnishing, adding a lovely textural contrast and extra burst of umami.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh and bright, perfect for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gnocchi is wonderfully quick to cook—once it floats to the surface, usually after 2 to 3 minutes, it’s ready. Drain the gnocchi carefully and set it aside to prepare for the sauce. This quick cook preserves that delightful soft texture you want.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for about 30 seconds until you catch a whiff of that tempting fragrance, but be careful not to let it brown. This brief cooking releases garlic’s flavor in the best way without turning bitter.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter and bring it gently to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese little by little, allowing it to melt smoothly and thicken the sauce. This step results in a rich, silky base that will cling to every gnocchi piece, making each mouthful an indulgence.
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Lower the heat to keep the sauce warm but not boiling. Add your cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently, ensuring each dumpling is luxuriously coated in the Parmesan cream. Then comes the fun part—drizzle in the truffle oil, stirring it through carefully to distribute that iconic, earthy flavor that elevates this recipe to gourmet status.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving Prep
Give your sauce a quick taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, Parmesan adds saltiness, so seasoning gently works best. Once perfectly balanced, this dish is ready to be plated and garnished for a stunning finish.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity wins here. A generous sprinkle of extra shaved Parmesan over the gnocchi adds a delightful textural variation, while fresh chopped parsley brings color and a fresh herbal touch that balances the richness of the sauce. These little touches make your presentation look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy main is beautifully complemented by light, bright sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. These options add freshness and a pleasant crunch to provide contrast and prevent palate fatigue.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool beautifully around each dumpling. For a bit of texture, pan-sear your gnocchi in a little butter before tossing in the sauce—the slight crispiness on the outside with the creamy sauce is divine. You can also drizzle extra truffle oil at the table for guests to customize the intensity of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness. The creamy sauce tends to thicken in the fridge, so a gentle reheat with a splash of cream or milk helps bring it back to life.
Freezing
While gnocchi freezes well on its own, freezing it already mixed with the truffle Parmesan sauce is not ideal since the cream sauce can separate. If you plan to freeze, store cooked gnocchi and sauce separately and combine when reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can unevenly heat the sauce and gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for cooking and enjoy that same comforting texture and flavor combined with the truffle Parmesan sauce.
How much truffle oil should I add?
Truffle oil is potent, so start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more. For this recipe, 1 to 2 teaspoons is usually perfect to get that earthy aroma without overpowering the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese that melts well. The truffle oil remains the same and will still infuse that luxurious flavor.
Is it possible to pan-sear gnocchi for extra texture?
Yes! After boiling, sauté the gnocchi in a bit of butter until they develop golden, crispy edges. Then toss them in the sauce for an irresistible contrast of creamy and crispy textures.
What wine pairs well with Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay complements the creamy texture and truffle notes perfectly, balancing richness with freshness for a harmonious dining experience.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients elevated to something extraordinary. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. Next time you’re craving comfort with a bit of classy flair, give this dish a try—you won’t regret it!
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Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce recipe is a luxurious yet simple Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy potato gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with fragrant truffle oil. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it delivers a decadent flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 teaspoons truffle oil (to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Extra shaved Parmesan
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float to the top, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Once they float, drain them carefully and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with aroma.
- Simmer the cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, cooking the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it becomes smooth, slightly thickened, and creamy.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss the gnocchi in the sauce to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Finish with truffle oil and seasoning: Drizzle in 1 teaspoon of truffle oil, stir to combine, then taste and add more truffle oil if desired. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the gnocchi immediately, garnishing with extra shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Start with 1 teaspoon of truffle oil and add more gradually, as truffle oil has a strong flavor that can overpower the dish.
- For a crispy texture, you can pan-sear the cooked gnocchi in a little butter before tossing them in the sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
