Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce

Name: Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 2 tablespoons truffle oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish; Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Highlighted under: Soft Cooking

I absolutely love making Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce, especially on cozy evenings when I crave something rich and indulgent. The flavor of truffle oil elevates the gnocchi to a gourmet experience that feels like a treat. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few key ingredients, and comes together in under thirty minutes. I often make it for friends, and it's always met with delighted smiles. The creamy sauce complements the soft gnocchi beautifully, making it an unforgettable dish.

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:45:55.950Z

Creating this Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce was a delightful experience that reminded me of my time in Italy. I remember the first time I tried truffle oil; the depth of flavor was unlike anything I had tasted before! By incorporating it into a quick cream sauce, I discovered a perfect balance that elevates even the simplest gnocchi into a luxurious dish.

One crucial tip I found while making this dish is to not overcook the gnocchi. They should float to the surface of the water to signal they’re done. This ensures they remain soft and pillowy, providing the perfect texture against the richness of the cream sauce. Trust me, this detail makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicate gnocchi coated in a velvety cream sauce infused with truffle essence
Quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough for special occasions
Elevates pantry staples into a gourmet meal bursting with flavor

Perfecting Your Gnocchi

When cooking gnocchi, timing is crucial. Boil them just until they float to the surface, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, which is not desirable. If you're unsure, take out a piece and taste it. It should be soft yet retain a slight bite, known as 'al dente.' Adding a pinch of salt in boiling water not only enhances the flavor but also helps the gnocchi maintain their shape.

Consider using fresh gnocchi if available, as they offer a tender texture and can be found in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores. Alternatively, if you’re using packaged gnocchi, read the instructions carefully because cooking times can vary by brand. Keep an eye on them, as their cooking time is shorter than traditional pasta.

Crafting the Cream Sauce

The cream sauce is the heart of this dish, so using high-quality heavy cream is key for achieving a rich, velvety texture. Allow the cream to simmer gently over medium heat while stirring continuously; this prevents it from scorching or thickening too quickly. A subtle simmer—just bubbling—is ideal for integrating the flavors without boiling, which could cause the cream to separate.

Don’t rush the garlic sautéing process! Cooking it for just 1 minute allows its natural sweetness to develop, which balances the richness of the cream. It should be fragrant but not browned. If you prefer a deeper garlic flavor, consider adding minced garlic later in the cooking process, just before blending into the cream.

Enhancing Flavor with Truffle Oil

Truffle oil is a potent ingredient, so start with the amount prescribed in the recipe—2 tablespoons—then adjust according to your taste. It's better to add less initially and taste the sauce before adding more, as you can always enhance the truffle flavor but can’t take it back once it’s in. I love to use a high-quality truffle oil; the difference is noticeable in both aroma and flavor.

For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg to the cream sauce. Nutmeg pairs exceptionally with creamy textures and can enhance the earthiness of the truffle. This subtle addition can elevate the dish further, creating a more complex and gourmet flavor profile without overpowering the primary ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce:

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Truffle Gnocchi with Cream Sauce:

Cook the Gnocchi

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add Truffle Oil

Once the cream has thickened slightly, stir in the truffle oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Drain the gnocchi and gently add them to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the gnocchi evenly.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the cream sauce. They pair perfectly with the truffle oil and enhance the overall dish.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the cream sauce ahead of time to streamline your cooking process. Simply make the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly. You may need to add a splash of milk to revive its creamy consistency.

While it's best to cook gnocchi fresh before serving, if you want to save time, consider preparing a larger batch. Cook the gnocchi, then cool them spread out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your truffle gnocchi, serve it alongside a light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery bite of arugula cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience. Don't forget to provide extra grated Parmesan at the table, as its salty sharpness pairs beautifully with the creamy gnocchi.

For a more indulgent touch, you can finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil right before serving. This not only intensifies the truffle flavor but also adds a luxurious aroma. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can introduce another layer of texture and nuttiness that complements the softness of the gnocchi.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize your sauce by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Both ingredients not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also introduce a nutritional boost. If you're using mushrooms, sauté them in the same skillet before adding the garlic to blend the flavors effectively without overcrowding the pan.

For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though this will lead to a thinner sauce. You can also replace truffle oil with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil mixed with a bit of balsamic reduction, which provides a different but equally delightful flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi will save you time and still taste delicious.

→ Is there a substitute for truffle oil?

If you don't have truffle oil, you can use olive oil, but it won't have the same depth of flavor.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your cheese is rennet-free if you’re vegan.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.