Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi

Name: Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound potato gnocchi; 3 tablespoons truffle oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Thuis koken

I absolutely adore making this Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi for my loved ones. The creamy texture combined with the earthy notes of truffle creates a romantic dish that feels both indulgent and elegant. With just a few well-chosen ingredients, I can whip up a comforting meal that impresses without being overly complex. Whether we celebrate at home or enjoy a cozy evening in, this dish never fails to bring a smile to our faces and a warmth to our hearts.

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:37:39.090Z

During the last Valentine's Day, I decided to spoil my partner with homemade truffle gnocchi, and it was truly a hit! I experimented with various flavors and found that using fresh truffle oil really elevated the dish, creating a delightful aroma that filled the kitchen. The texture of the gnocchi, when done right, is a game changer.

One surprise tip I learned along the way is to avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as it can become mushy. Instead, I cook them just until they float and then toss them in the truffle butter, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully while retaining that perfect chew. This dish is both an indulgence and a culinary experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent blend of creamy flavors and aromatic truffle
Easy to make yet feels gourmet for special occasions
Perfectly paired with a salad or glass of wine

Mastering Gnocchi Cooking

Cooking gnocchi is all about timing. When they begin to float, it's a signal that they’re cooked through, usually around 2-3 minutes. Overcooking them can lead to a mushy texture, diminishing their delightful pillowy essence. I find that using a slotted spoon to retrieve them helps maintain their shape and allows excess water to drain off, ensuring they won’t dilute your sauce later.

If you want to add a personal touch, consider making your gnocchi from scratch using just potatoes and flour. Homemade gnocchi offers a fresher taste and can be customized with herbs or spices for an extra flair. However, store-bought gnocchi can be just as delicious, especially in a rich sauce like this one.

The Role of Truffle Oil

Truffle oil is the star of this dish, imparting that luxurious, earthy aroma that elevates the entire meal. When choosing a truffle oil, look for one made with real truffles rather than synthetic flavoring, as the quality greatly influences the final taste. My personal favorite has a balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower the creaminess of the sauce.

To prevent the flavor from becoming too overwhelming, drizzle in the truffle oil towards the end of cooking. This way, you can enjoy the warm aroma without losing its nuanced flavor in the heat. If you want a more intense truffle experience, a touch of truffle salt can be added just before serving for that extra kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this truffle gnocchi pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a nice glass of wine, you can get creative with your presentation. Try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted asparagus for additional texture and flavor contrast. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.

If you're looking to make this dish lighter, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or a plant-based cream alternative. This substitution provides a lighter consistency while still preserving the creaminess. For a vegetarian version, consider incorporating spinach or peas for a pop of color and added nutrition.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Truffle Gnocchi:

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
3 tablespoons truffle oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ensure everything is ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delicious Truffle Gnocchi:

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the truffle oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.

Combine and Serve

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Serve warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle a little more truffle oil on top before serving. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor significantly.

Tips for Perfect Sauce Consistency

Achieving the perfect sauce consistency is key to a successful truffle gnocchi dish. When you add the cream, make sure to keep the heat at medium-low to gently simmer rather than boil. This simmering allows the cream to thicken slightly without separating or curdling, creating a luscious, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to each piece of gnocchi.

If you find your sauce too thick, a splash of pasta cooking water can help loosen it. The starches in the water will help meld the sauce with the gnocchi, enhancing the overall texture. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a couple more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're preparing for a special occasion, you can make the gnocchi and sauce ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and toss them in a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat by quickly blanching them in boiling water before serving.

For the sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into a container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, gently warm on low heat while adding a splash of cream or water to restore the original consistency.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is easily done due to the simplicity of the ingredients. For a larger gathering, double the amounts while keeping the cooking times similar. Just be mindful of cooking the gnocchi in batches if your pot isn’t large enough, which helps maintain the water temperature and cooking quality.

When splitting the recipe, be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly. Taste as you go along, especially with the truffle oil, as it can become overpowering if used in excess. Maintaining a balance of flavors is essential for the dish to shine through, even at different serving sizes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time.

→ What if I can't find truffle oil?

You can substitute with garlic or olive oil for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

It's best to freeze the uncooked gnocchi. Cooked gnocchi may not retain the best texture when thawed.