If you’re craving something luxurious, comforting, and effortlessly impressive, this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Pillowy gnocchi bathed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream gets a heavenly lift from the earthy aroma of truffle oil. This Italian-inspired masterpiece comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both decadent date nights and indulgent weeknight dinners. The delicate interplay of textures, buttery sauce, and aromatic finish will have you savoring every bite of this unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient shines and builds the foundation for that unmistakable gourmet flavor. You don’t need a long list to create something truly special—just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
- Potato gnocchi (1 lb, store-bought or homemade): These light, fluffy pillows are the perfect vehicle for our luxurious sauce; choose fresh or frozen for best results.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Butter forms the rich, glossy base of the sauce and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A touch of garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible warmth and depth—don’t skip this aromatic star!
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Cream brings body and silkiness, creating that luscious sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Parmesan melts into the sauce, bringing nutty, savory complexity and a delightfully cheesy finish.
- Truffle oil (1–2 teaspoons, to taste): Just a small drizzle transforms the whole dish with earthy, intoxicating aroma—start with less, taste, and adjust!
- Salt and black pepper to taste: A sprinkle of each enhances the other flavors and balances the richness.
- Shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish: These fresh, bright touches add eye-catching color and extra pops of flavor right before serving.
How to Make Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook just until they float to the surface, which takes around 2 to 3 minutes. Once they’re bobbing at the top, they’re done! Quickly drain them so they don’t overcook. You can let them hang out in a colander while you prepare the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Place a large skillet on medium heat and melt your butter until it gently sizzles. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. The fragrance will let you know when it’s ready—don’t let the garlic brown, just let it bloom and add depth to the butter.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and increase the heat just enough to bring everything to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring slowly. Watch as the cheese melts into the cream, making a silky, thick sauce that’s hard to resist. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it smooths out and lightly thickens.
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi with Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add your cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet. Using a gentle hand, toss to coat every gnocchi in the luscious sauce. If you love a crispy bite, quickly sear the gnocchi in a separate pan with a dab of butter before combining. This extra step adds a golden touch and a bit of texture.
Step 5: Add Truffle Oil and Season
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of truffle oil over the gnocchi, stirring everything together. Taste, then add a bit more truffle oil if you want a stronger aroma. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking—the sauce should taste luxurious but balanced.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the gnocchi to bowls and adorn each serving with shaved Parmesan and a scatter of bright green parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy and warm, because this is one dish that’s meant to be enjoyed straight from the stove to the table.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnish! Extra Parmesan shavings add dramatic appeal and extra umami, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley brings that welcome, herby brightness. For a burst of color and a little crunch, add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of lightly cracked pepper right before serving. These touches make each bowl look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since the Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is deeply rich and satisfying, it loves to be balanced by lighter sides. Think a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or simply roasted asparagus or green beans. The freshness will complement the creamy sauce and let the gnocchi remain the star. Add a basket of crusty bread for mopping up every last drop!
Creative Ways to Present
This dish is stunning when plated individually in shallow bowls dusted with Parmesan and flecked with parsley. Feeling fancy? Try drizzling a little extra truffle oil on each plate right before serving or nestle the gnocchi in a wide, low-rimmed platter at the center of the table for family-style sharing—a sure way to wow your guests. For a special touch, serve the gnocchi alongside seared mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for earthy-sweet contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken but will loosen up beautifully when gently reheated. Fresh parsley is best added just before serving so it stays vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked gnocchi on their own; just lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then stash them in a freezer bag. For the sauce, however, it’s best fresh—cream sauces can separate when frozen. If you must freeze the finished Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe, expect the texture to change a bit, but a slow reheat will help bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk and stirring often until smooth and warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate. If the sauce looks too thick, just whisk in a teaspoon or two of hot water to bring back its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi make this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe feel incredibly special. Just be sure they’re fresh and tender; both homemade and good-quality store-bought yield delicious results.
What kind of truffle oil should I use?
Look for high-quality white or black truffle oil for the best flavor. White truffle oil offers a slightly lighter, briny flavor, while black is deeper and more robust. Use a light hand—truffle oil is powerful stuff.
How can I add protein to this dish?
This creamy gnocchi is vegetarian, but you can easily top it with sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or add in grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Just keep portions light so the gnocchi’s delicate texture remains the focus.
Is there a way to make this sauce lighter?
If you want a lighter version of the Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe, use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream. You’ll lose a little of the decadent richness, but gain a lighter, silkier sauce with fewer calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi typically include wheat flour, so the recipe is not gluten-free by default. However, gluten-free potato gnocchi are widely available and work beautifully with this sauce! Double-check your labels and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you treat yourself to this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe—it’s pure comfort and elegance in a bowl. Whether for a quiet night in or impressing guests, this dish delivers beautiful flavor every time. Give it a try, and don’t forget those tempting garnishes for a chef’s kiss finish!
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Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce recipe. Tender potato gnocchi bathed in a luxurious cream sauce infused with the earthy aroma of truffle oil, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley.
Ingredients
Potato Gnocchi:
1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Truffle Parmesan 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, extra shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the top, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, pour in heavy cream, simmer, stir in Parmesan until smooth, and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet, toss to coat, drizzle truffle oil, season with salt and pepper. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Start with 1 teaspoon of truffle oil and adjust to taste.
- For a crispy texture, pan-sear gnocchi in butter before adding the sauce.
- Pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
