Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to indulge in a dish that feels effortlessly luxurious yet tastes like a pure comfort hug, then this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Pillowy soft gnocchi bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with the delicate earthiness of truffle oil creates an unforgettable harmony of flavors. It elevates simple ingredients into a dish that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. The simplicity here is the secret: quality ingredients letting their natural tones shine beautifully together.
- Fresh or store-bought gnocchi: Choose tender, pillow-soft gnocchi to soak up all the luscious sauce perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: For a rich base that adds silkiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture and just the right bit of indulgence.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Truffle oil: The star ingredient that delivers that signature earthy, aromatic flair.
- Salt: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors balanced throughout the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and complexity in every bite.
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh, colorful touch that brightens the plate and adds subtle herbaceous notes.
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Perfect for sprinkling on top for that extra cheesy finish everyone loves.
How to Make Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your gnocchi according to the package instructions or until they float to the surface—that’s your sign they’re perfectly done. This ensures those pillowy dumplings are tender and ready to soak up the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
While the gnocchi cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter adds a velvety richness that acts as a perfect foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps thicken the cream slightly, creating that luscious, smooth texture you crave.
Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese
Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually until it melts completely and the sauce thickens further. This not only enhances the flavor but gives the sauce a cheesy, creamy structure that clings beautifully to the gnocchi.
Step 5: Infuse with Truffle Oil and Season
This is where the magic happens: stir in the truffle oil carefully to infuse the sauce with its unmistakable earthy aroma. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance and elevate all the flavors.
Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the truffle Parmesan sauce until each piece is luxuriously coated. This delicate incorporation ensures every bite bursts with creamy, truffled goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling with chopped chives or parsley if you like, adding both a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the gnocchi plated, topped with a generous grind of extra Parmesan cheese for a truly elegant presentation.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley lend a beautiful contrast and fresh bite that balances the richness of the sauce. Don’t hesitate to add an extra drizzle of truffle oil or a dusting of Parmesan just before serving for that wow factor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs fantastically with crisp leafy greens, such as a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a warm crusty bread also make wonderful companions to sop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the gnocchi arranged in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few delicate edible flowers to make it extra special. Using rustic wooden boards or elegant white plates both create beautiful presentation settings depending on your vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken or separate slightly, but a gentle reheating will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Freezing
While gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked gnocchi separately on a baking sheet to avoid sticking then transfer them to a freezer bag. The sauce, due to its creaminess and truffle oil, freezes less well, so it’s better to prepare fresh sauce when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gnocchi gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the dish’s silky texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Both fresh and store-bought dried gnocchi work well for this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions so they cook tender without becoming mushy.
Is truffle oil necessary?
Truffle oil is key to giving this dish its characteristic earthy aroma and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can still make the dish with extra Parmesan and a touch of mushroom powder for some umami, but the truffle oil truly elevates it.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting butter with plant-based margarine, swapping heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and using nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be different but still delicious.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let the cream and Parmesan simmer a bit longer before adding the gnocchi, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal because of its rich, nutty flavor and ability to melt smoothly into the sauce. Avoid pre-grated cheese for better texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a beautiful reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something utterly spectacular. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat or a dish to impress friends, I encourage you to try it and savor every comforting bite. You’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this elegant yet approachable meal in your rotation.
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Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce recipe offers a luxurious twist on classic potato gnocchi by tossing it in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with aromatic truffle oil. Ready in just 40 minutes, it makes for an elegant and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for special occasions or a decadent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- Fresh or store-bought gnocchi – 1 pound (about 450g)
Sauce
- Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240ml)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (about 100g)
- Truffle oil – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped chives or parsley – 1 tablespoon
- Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese – for serving
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain them carefully and set aside.
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it begins to foam and smell fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low, allowing the cream to gently simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce has thickened into a smooth consistency.
- Flavor the sauce: Stir in the truffle oil, then season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, balancing the rich flavors.
- Toss the gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the truffle Parmesan sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the gnocchi for a fresh herbal note and appealing color.
- Serve: Plate the gnocchi and top with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, offering an elegant and flavorful finish to the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for a light and pillowy texture, but store-bought gnocchi works well for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of truffle oil depending on your preference since it has a strong flavor.
- To keep the sauce smooth, avoid boiling the cream at a high heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated varieties, providing a richer sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture; gnocchi can become gummy if left too long in sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
