Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce

Highlighted under: Comfort Cooking

I absolutely love making Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce because it’s the perfect dish to impress guests and treat myself. The richness of the cream combined with the earthy notes of truffle creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Each bite is comforting and luxurious, making me feel like I'm dining in a fancy restaurant from the comfort of my own home. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, which is a huge win for a weeknight meal or special occasion!

Isla Weatherford

Created by

Isla Weatherford

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:45:55.820Z

When I first attempted to make this Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce, I was skeptical about whether I could achieve that gourmet quality at home. However, I discovered that the key is in using freshly made gnocchi and a high-quality truffle oil. The rich cream sauce complements the delicate gnocchi beautifully, and adding a sprinkle of parmesan enhances the overall depth of flavor.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly undercook the gnocchi in the boiling water before adding them to the sauce. This allows them to soak up more of the sauce while ensuring they remain fluffy and delicious. I guarantee that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich truffle aroma that elevates everyday meals
  • Creamy sauce that envelops each gnocchi perfectly
  • Easy to prepare yet impressively decadent

The Magic of Truffle Oil

Truffle oil isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the heart of this creamy dish. When selecting truffle oil, look for high-quality brands that use real truffle extracts. This ensures that the oil has an authentic, earthy aroma and flavor that will truly enhance your gnocchi. I recommend adding the oil slowly while tasting to achieve your desired level of truffle richness—too much can overpower the dish, but just the right amount can elevate it to gourmet status.

It's also important to note that truffle oil has a lower smoke point than many cooking oils. Using it directly in the cream sauce allows its flavors to infuse fully without compromising them. Avoid high heat; medium simmering allows the oil to mingle with the cream, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce without losing that distinctive truffle essence.

Perfecting Your Gnocchi

Making perfect gnocchi is as much an art as it is a science! The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet. If your dough feels too sticky while working it, sprinkling in a bit more flour can help. However, be cautious; adding too much flour makes the gnocchi dense rather than light and fluffy. After rolling the dough into ropes, aim for about 1-inch pieces—this size is ideal for cooking evenly and providing a tender bite once plated.

Don’t skimp on creating ridges with a fork; this technique not only adds to the aesthetic but also helps the sauce cling to each gnocchi better, ensuring a flavor-packed bite. When they float in boiling water, that’s your cue they’re perfectly cooked! Gnocchi should have that delightful pillowy texture—if they seem firm, let them cook for another minute.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste

For the Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons truffle oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Gnocchi

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. Knead the mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut them into small pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.

Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and truffle oil, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and gently toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious truffle gnocchi!

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Pro Tips

  • For an added touch, use fancy plating or a drizzle of extra truffle oil when serving. Pair the gnocchi with a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning ahead, gnocchi can be made up to a day in advance. After forming the pieces, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the boiling time for perfect results. The cream sauce can also be made ahead and reheated slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from splitting.

When storing leftovers, keep the gnocchi and cream sauce separate to maintain optimal texture. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to two days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or additional cream to the sauce to revive its creamy consistency before warming over low heat. Briefly pan-frying leftover gnocchi in a bit of butter can add a lovely crispy texture!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your gnocchi further! For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or sage into the dough. You can also swap out half of the all-purpose flour for semolina flour for a more traditional pasta-like chew. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, throw in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cream sauce; they pair beautifully with the truffle flavor.

Alternatively, if you want a lighter dish, try using cauliflower gnocchi, which can be found in most grocery stores. Although texture may differ slightly, they still absorb the creamy sauce well. Pair it with a splash of lemon juice in the sauce for brightness, making it a refreshing option for spring and summer dining!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi can be a quick substitute for homemade, but the texture may differ slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for the cream sauce?

You can use a non-dairy cream substitute such as coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan version.

→ What can I serve with truffle gnocchi?

A light salad or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes to accompany truffle gnocchi.

Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce

I absolutely love making Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce because it’s the perfect dish to impress guests and treat myself. The richness of the cream combined with the earthy notes of truffle creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Each bite is comforting and luxurious, making me feel like I'm dining in a fancy restaurant from the comfort of my own home. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, which is a huge win for a weeknight meal or special occasion!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Isla Weatherford

Recipe Type: Comfort Cooking

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Gnocchi

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup mashed potatoes
  3. 1 large egg
  4. Salt, to taste

For the Cream Sauce

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  3. 2 tablespoons truffle oil
  4. Salt and pepper, to taste
  5. Chopped parsley, for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. Knead the mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut them into small pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.

Step 02

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and truffle oil, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 04

Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and gently toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious truffle gnocchi!

Extra Tips

  1. For an added touch, use fancy plating or a drizzle of extra truffle oil when serving. Pair the gnocchi with a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 9g