Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi

Name: Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups potato, peeled and mashed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons truffle oil; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Truffle Gnocchi for Valentine’s Day. Every time I prepare this dish, it feels like a special celebration of flavors perfect for sharing with someone special. The rich, earthy aroma of truffle combined with the light, fluffy texture of the gnocchi creates a luxurious dining experience. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to prepare, even for novice cooks. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a cozy dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and indulge the senses.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:04:18.742Z

When I first tried making Truffle Gnocchi, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could transform into such an elegant dish. The secret lies in using good quality truffle oil and freshly made gnocchi. I always opt for potato-based gnocchi to achieve that perfect pillowy texture. Pairing it with sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of parmesan takes the dish to another level, making it a true showstopper at any dinner table.

I remember the first time I served this to friends on Valentine’s Day. The compliments were endless! One tip I’d share is to finish the dish with a splash of some high-quality olive oil right before serving. It really elevates the flavors and adds a beautiful shine to the dish that looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, it’s a detail that makes all the difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, earthy truffle flavor that enhances every bite
Light and fluffy gnocchi that melts in the mouth
Perfectly comforting for a cozy dinner date

      

Mastering the Gnocchi Technique

Perfecting gnocchi takes a bit of finesse, but once you get the hang of it, the results are well worth the effort. When mixing your dough, aim for a consistency that is smooth yet slightly tacky. If you find the mixture too sticky, gradually incorporate flour a tablespoon at a time until it holds together without leaving too much residue on your hands. Remember, overworking the dough can lead to tough gnocchi, so mix just until combined.

When shaping your gnocchi, be sure to roll the dough into uniform ropes; this aids in even cooking. Each piece should be the size of a small marble. After cutting, creating ridges with a fork allows them to hold onto the sauce better, enhancing each bite with rich flavor. This simple technique elevates the dish from good to extraordinary, ensuring every piece captures the truffle sauce beautifully.

Understanding the Sauce

The sauce for your truffle gnocchi is where the magic truly happens. Using high-quality truffle oil is essential, as it provides the rich, earthy flavor characteristic of this dish. Heat the oil gently; if you let it get too hot, it can lose its aromatic properties. The mushrooms add a lovely umami depth, so choose a variety like cremini or shiitake for a more complex flavor profile. Sauté them just until they release their moisture and are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

In addition to the mushrooms and garlic, consider adding a splash of white wine to elevate the flavor even more. It adds a bit of acidity and depth, balancing the richness of the truffle oil. After incorporating your gnocchi, tossing them in the sauce for a minute helps marry the flavors together, creating a cohesive dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Serving and Storing Tips

When it comes to serving your truffle gnocchi, presentation is key. Use a shallow dish to showcase the gnocchi and sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley. This not only adds color but also a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish. For added elegance, consider drizzling a bit more truffle oil over the top just before serving.

If you find yourself with leftover gnocchi, don’t fret! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, sauté them gently in a non-stick pan with a splash of water or broth to avoid sticking. If you want to make gnocchi ahead of time, you can freeze them before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to indulge, cook them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute to the cooking time.

Ingredients

Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your own Truffle Gnocchi.

For the Gnocchi

2 cups potato, peeled and mashed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons truffle oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're just a few steps away from a delightful dish!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi.

Prepare the Gnocchi Dough

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potato, flour, beaten egg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.

Shape the Gnocchi

Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1/2 inch in diameter, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the water. When they float to the surface, they are done (about 2-3 minutes).

Make the Sauce

In a skillet, heat the truffle oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to combine. Serve immediately with grated parmesan and fresh parsley.

Enjoy your lovely Truffle Gnocchi, perfect for sharing on a special occasion.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. It adds brightness that complements the richness of the truffle oil beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, swap out the all-purpose flour for a blend of gluten-free flour. This will change the texture slightly, so it's essential to adjust the amount as needed until the dough holds together. Keep in mind that different gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect combination.

For a dairy-free option, you can replace the parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Additionally, for a lighter sauce, consider using olive oil instead of truffle oil; while it won't have the same depth, it will still create a lovely base for your mushrooms.

Variations on Gnocchi

Feel free to customize your gnocchi by adding ingredients like spinach or ricotta into the dough for a flavorful twist. Incorporating 1/2 cup of wilted spinach or 1/4 cup of ricotta will not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful hue of green and lightness to your dish. Just ensure to adjust the amount of flour accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency.

For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gnocchi mixture. These herbs complement the truffle beautifully and provide an aromatic experience that will delight your diners. Adjusting the garlic in the sauce—either adding more or roasting it first—can also create new dimensions in flavor, allowing you to tailor the dish to your personal taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi can save time. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.

→ What can I substitute for truffle oil?

If you can't find truffle oil, you can use a high-quality olive oil, but the flavor will differ.

→ How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi is cooked when they float to the top of the boiling water, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them, but it's best to cook them fresh right before serving.