If you are craving a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, this Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe has got you covered. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with the earthy aroma of truffle oil. It’s the perfect marriage of simple ingredients elevated into something extraordinary, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves Italian flavors with a gourmet twist. Whether you want an impressive weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, this dish by itself promises a memorable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of quality ingredients that create layers of flavor and a velvety texture. Each component plays a crucial role in the dish’s final taste and presentation, from the creamy butter and Parmesan to the distinctive truffle oil that adds that signature touch of luxury.
- Fresh or store-bought gnocchi: Choose tender gnocchi for the best fluffy texture that absorbs the sauce wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base and silky mouthfeel without overpowering other flavors.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the gnocchi.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly to create a sharp and savory depth in the sauce.
- Truffle oil: Adds an irresistible earthy aroma and makes this dish feel truly special.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish): Introduces a fresh, vibrant color and mild oniony note.
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Perfect for an extra cheesy touch right at the end.
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 boil. Drop the gnocchi in and cook them according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. This floating is your signal that they are perfectly cooked—soft, pillowy, and ready to soak up all that decadent sauce. Once done, drain and keep them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, gently melt the unsalted butter. The butter forms the luscious fat base that will carry the other flavors beautifully. Make sure not to brown it; you want just a smooth, melted texture to begin building the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Heavy Cream
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the melted butter. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This step slightly thickens the cream and allows it to meld with the butter, creating the creamy backbone of your sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Whisk freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream and butter mixture until it melts completely and the sauce starts to thicken nicely. The cheese enriches the sauce with a deep, savory tang while giving it a silky texture that clings fabulously to the gnocchi.
Step 5: Add Truffle Oil and Seasonings
Stir in the truffle oil carefully to infuse the sauce with its distinctive earthy flavor. Season the mixture to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These seasonings balance the richness while highlighting the unique aroma of the truffle.
Step 6: Toss Gnocchi in the Sauce
Add your cooked gnocchi into the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. This final step ensures every bite bursts with creamy, truffle-infused goodness.
Step 7: Garnish Your Dish
Optionally sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the top to brighten the dish visually and add a hint of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
Step 8: Serve Extra Parmesan
Plate the gnocchi and finish by sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese on top if you love that extra cheesy indulgence. It’s an elegant finishing touch that elevates this classic comfort dish even further.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley adds just the right pop of color and a delicate freshness that complements the creamy, rich sauce perfectly. For those who adore cheese, an extra handful of Parmesan grated on top provides a lovely savory finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich, so pairing it with a light side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette creates a perfect balance. Alternatively, some roasted seasonal vegetables or lightly sautéed greens offer texture and freshness that keep the meal satisfying but not heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, try serving the gnocchi in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool elegantly around them. Drizzle a little extra truffle oil on top before garnishing to amp up the aroma. Another fun idea is to layer the gnocchi with thin slices of sautéed mushrooms or prosciutto for an added textural and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools, but gently reheating will bring everything back to that silky texture you love.
Freezing
Freezing gnocchi with the truffle Parmesan sauce is not ideal because the cream sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, you can freeze cooked gnocchi alone in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid; reheat separately and toss with freshly made sauce.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking, and stir frequently until heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh or store-bought gnocchi both work well. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for perfect results.
How much truffle oil should I use?
Truffle oil has a strong flavor, so start with about 1 to 2 teaspoons and adjust to your preference. It’s easy to overpower the sauce, so a little goes a long way.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
While traditional Parmesan and heavy cream are core to this recipe’s flavor and texture, you can try substituting with plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives, but keep in mind the taste and consistency will differ.
What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting and flavor, but if unavailable, a good quality pre-grated Parmesan can work. Avoid powdered cheese as it won’t melt smoothly into the sauce.
Is it necessary to garnish with herbs?
The herbs are optional but recommended to add freshness and a hint of color, which enhances the overall eating experience and visual appeal of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a true gem—easy enough for a weeknight but refined enough to impress dinner guests. The comforting pillowy gnocchi combined with that irresistibly creamy, truffle-infused Parmesan sauce makes every bite a celebration. I hope you give it a try and let this dish become one of your favorites to return to whenever you want a little taste of indulgence at home.
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Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This elegant Gnocchi with Truffle Parmesan Sauce recipe offers a luxurious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Soft gnocchi are cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with delicate truffle oil, creating a decadent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or indulgent weekend meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- Fresh or store-bought gnocchi – 1 lb (450 g)
Sauce
- Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (about 90 g)
- Truffle oil – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped chives or parsley – 2 tablespoons
- Additional Parmesan cheese – for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook them according to the package directions, usually until they float to the surface, which takes about 2–3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing it to gently foam but not brown.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Truffle Oil and Season: Stir in the truffle oil, starting with 1 teaspoon and adding more if desired for a stronger truffle flavor. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Gnocchi in Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss them to coat evenly with the rich truffle Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the gnocchi for a pop of color and fresh flavor if using.
- Serve: Plate the gnocchi and finish with a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s richness and elegance.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture, but store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of truffle oil carefully; its strong aroma can easily overpower the dish.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water or cream.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
