Romantic Truffle Gnocchi

Name: Romantic Truffle Gnocchi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups russet potatoes (cooked and riced); 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting); 1 large egg; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons truffle oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely adore making this Romantic Truffle Gnocchi for special occasions! The rich, earthy flavor of truffles elevates the tender potato gnocchi into a luxurious dish that is perfect for sharing. I often prepare it for anniversaries or intimate dinners at home, and I enjoy the process of rolling the gnocchi by hand. The combination of simplicity in preparation and the outstanding taste makes this dish a favorite in my kitchen.

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:16:26.970Z

During one of my cooking experiments, I stumbled upon the idea of combining homemade gnocchi with truffle oil, and it was a game changer. By using fresh, quality ingredients, I was able to create a creamy sauce that clung beautifully to each gnocchi. The key to getting it right lies in not overcooking the gnocchi, ensuring they stay light and fluffy.

I often experiment with different types of cheeses, but I find that a blend of Parmigiano-Reggiano and mascarpone gives the sauce a romantic touch that melts in your mouth. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for that perfect touch!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Luxurious truffle aroma that delights the senses
Soft gnocchi texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce
Perfectly elegant for a romantic dinner or special celebration

      

Mastering the Gnocchi Technique

Making gnocchi from scratch is a satisfying process that requires some finesse. While rolling out the dough into ropes, aim for about ½ inch in diameter—they should be thick enough to hold their shape yet small enough to cook evenly. Use a knife to cut the pieces, and remember that pressing down with a fork to create ridges is essential; these grooves help trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is rich with flavor.

If you're new to making gnocchi, don’t worry about achieving perfection on your first try. Small inconsistencies in size can actually enhance the dish, as varying texture adds dimension. Additionally, if you find your dough is too sticky, a sprinkle of flour can help. Conversely, if it's crumbly, a touch of water or an extra egg can bring it back together.

The Art of the Truffle Sauce

When making the truffle sauce, balance is key. The heavy cream provides a luxurious base, while the truffle oil infuses the dish with its signature earthy aroma. To ensure your sauce doesn't become too thick, keep the heat moderate and adjust accordingly; simmering it too long can lead to a consistency similar to pudding. Aim for a creamy, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the gnocchi.

For those who might want to adjust the flavor profile, consider using different types of cheese. A sharp Pecorino Romano can offer a more robust flavor, while a touch of white wine added to the simming cream can provide acidity to cut through the richness. Just remember to add cheese only after reducing the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Serving and Storing Tips

This Romantic Truffle Gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream can revive the sauce and restore its silky texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can result in rubbery gnocchi.

If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the gnocchi and freezing them before cooking. Lay the shaped but uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add an extra minute to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy freshly made gnocchi with minimal last-minute effort.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Gnocchi

2 cups russet potatoes (cooked and riced)
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 large egg
Salt to taste

Truffle Sauce

2 tablespoons truffle oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the romantic dish:

Prepare the Gnocchi

In a large bowl, combine the riced potatoes, flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough into long ropes, then cut into small pieces to shape your gnocchi. Use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Make the Truffle Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, truffle oil, and bring to a simmer. Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and mascarpone cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.

Combine and Serve

Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the truffle sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of truffle oil if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. They pair wonderfully with the truffle and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

Ingredient Insights

The type of potato you use for the gnocchi greatly affects the final texture. Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content, ensuring that the gnocchi is light and fluffy rather than dense. For a twist, consider using sweet potatoes, which add a subtle sweetness and a vibrant color that pairs nicely with the truffle sauce.

When it comes to truffle oil, quality matters. Use a high-grade truffle oil for its intense aroma and flavor. However, if truffle oil is hard to find, you can infuse regular olive oil with a few shavings of fresh truffle or even try incorporating a tablespoon of finely chopped mushrooms sautéed in oil to achieve that deep, earthy taste.

Creative Variations

For an even more decadent experience, try adding sautéed wild mushrooms to the sauce. The earthiness of mushrooms complements the truffle beautifully and adds texture. Simply sauté them in butter before adding to the sauce, letting them cook down to release their flavors before incorporating the cream and cheese.

If you're interested in a bit of freshness, consider tossing in a handful of arugula or baby spinach just before serving. The slight bitterness of arugula adds a nice contrast to the rich truffle sauce, while providing a pop of color that enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Using store-bought gnocchi saves time, but fresh homemade gnocchi will elevate this dish even further.

→ What if I don't have truffle oil?

You can substitute with a mix of olive oil and a small amount of grated truffle for a similar flavor profile.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe contains all-purpose flour, but you can use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free version of the gnocchi.

→ Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the gnocchi in advance and freeze them. Just cook them directly from the freezer when you're ready to serve.