Romantic Truffle Gnocchi

Name: Romantic Truffle Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 250g fresh gnocchi; 2 tablespoons truffle oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 50g unsalted butter; 30g grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely adore making Romantic Truffle Gnocchi for special occasions or when I want to impress my loved ones. The rich, earthy flavor of truffles combined with the soft pillowy gnocchi creates a comforting dish that brings warmth and romance to the table. This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it's about the love and care that goes into every bite. With a few simple techniques, I’m able to enhance the natural flavors and create a dish that feels fancy without being overly complex.

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:22:09.529Z

When I first attempted this Romantic Truffle Gnocchi, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such luxurious flavors. By using high-quality truffle oil and fresh herbs, I discovered the subtle nuances that elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It quickly became a favorite in my house, especially on date nights.

One essential tip I learned is to ensure that your gnocchi is cooked just right. Overcooking can make them mushy, while undercooking leaves them with a dense texture. The perfect gnocchi should feel light and tender in your mouth, making every bite a delight.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent truffle flavor that impresses every time
Soft and pillowy gnocchi texture that's irresistible
Can be served as a romantic dinner or a special occasion dish

      

Understanding Gnocchi

Gnocchi, traditionally made from potatoes, is known for its light and airy texture. When making fresh gnocchi, it's vital to use starchy potatoes like Russets, as they contribute to the pillowy structure you're after. Boil them until fork-tender, then allow them to cool slightly before ricing to prevent them from becoming gummy, which can happen if they are too hot during the mixing process.

The key to great homemade gnocchi lies in the dough. It should be moist but not too sticky. When mixing, add just enough flour to bring the dough together—overworking it can lead to dense, chewy gnocchi. After forming your gnocchi, consider chilling them for 30 minutes before cooking, as this helps firm them up and maintain their shape.

Truffle Oil Tips

Truffle oil is a powerful ingredient that can elevate your gnocchi dish, but it’s essential to use it wisely. Opt for high-quality truffle oil, as lower-quality brands can taste artificial or overpowering. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your palate. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there.

To maximize the flavor of truffle oil in your dish, consider incorporating it at different stages of the cooking process. Drizzle a little into the butter before adding the garlic for a stronger aroma, and finish with a touch right before serving to heighten that luxurious truffle aroma. This layering technique creates a more complex flavor profile that will have your guests swooning.

Variations and Pairings

While truffle and gnocchi are a match made in culinary heaven, you can enhance this dish by adding seasonal vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. These not only add color and nutrition but also complement the earthy notes of the truffle beautifully. For a textural contrast, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto.

If you're looking to scale this dish up for a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients and cook the gnocchi in batches to maintain even cooking. Alternatively, feel free to make the gnocchi a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just be sure to keep them dusted with flour to prevent sticking, and cook them straight from the fridge without thawing for perfect results.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a beautiful Romantic Truffle Gnocchi:

Ingredients

250g fresh gnocchi
2 tablespoons truffle oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
50g unsalted butter
30g grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Romantic Truffle Gnocchi:

Cook the Gnocchi

In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the gnocchi. Once they float to the top, which should take about 2-3 minutes, they are ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the cooked gnocchi and drizzle with truffle oil.

Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the flavorful sauce.

Add Cheese and Season

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi and toss again. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let everything combine for another minute on the heat.

Serve

Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates, garnishing with chopped parsley and a drizzle of additional truffle oil if desired. Enjoy your meal!

It's time to savor this delightful dish with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine for a complete romantic experience.

Serving Suggestions

When presenting your Romantic Truffle Gnocchi, consider using a wide, shallow bowl instead of a deep plate. This allows the sauce to spread out more elegantly, giving a nicer visual appeal. Pair it with a crisp side salad or lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables to create a balanced meal that complements the richness of the gnocchi.

For a more sophisticated touch, you could also crown the dish with a few additional shavings of fresh truffle or a truffle salt sprinkle. Serve your favorite white wine or Champagne on the side for a truly romantic dining experience that is sure to impress.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet with a bit of butter over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the gnocchi and maintain their original texture.

For longer storage, uncooked gnocchi can be frozen. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, cook the gnocchi straight from frozen to reduce mushiness, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Troubleshooting

If your gnocchi are turning out heavy or dense, it’s likely due to too much flour in the dough or overmixing. Aim for a soft, pliable dough that is just barely sticky, and gently incorporate the flour as needed. If you suspect overmixing, consider only bringing the ingredients together until incorporated without kneading.

In case your sauce is too oily or separates, consider adding a touch of pasta cooking water to the mix. This will help emulsify the sauce, creating a creamy consistency that adheres beautifully to the gnocchi. Just remember to use it sparingly, as you want to maintain the dish's intended richness without diluting the flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! Store-bought gnocchi is a great time-saver and works wonderfully in this recipe.

→ What if I don’t have truffle oil?

You can substitute with a mix of olive oil and a touch of mushroom powder for a similar earthy flavor.

→ How can I make this vegan?

You can use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While gnocchi is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and heat it up when ready to serve.