This decadent Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is a quick, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for those craving comfort food with a touch of elegance. The pillowy gnocchi is coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with white truffle oil and garlic, then topped with parmesan and black pepper for extra flavor. It’s the ultimate indulgence in a bowl, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb gnocchi

• ½ tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ tbsp white truffle oil, plus more for drizzling

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup milk (1% used)

• 2 oz cream cheese (low-fat used)

• ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan, plus more for garnish

• 1/8 tsp truffle salt

• 1/8 tsp Trader Joe’s Umami Seasoning (optional)

• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Sauce:

   • Melt butter and truffle oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Add heavy cream, milk, cream cheese, parmesan, truffle salt, and umami seasoning (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

2. Prepare the Gnocchi:

   • Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and add them directly to the sauce. Toss to coat, then cook for an additional minute to allow the gnocchi to absorb some of the sauce.

3. Serve:

   • Taste for seasoning and adjust with more truffle salt or pepper as needed. Plate the gnocchi and garnish with shredded parmesan, fresh cracked black pepper, and a light drizzle of truffle oil.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes 4 servings)

• Calories: ~470 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Protein: ~14g

• Fat: ~30g

• Saturated Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~2g

Why Gnocchi? The Perfect Base for Alfredo Sauce

Gnocchi, those pillowy little dumplings made from potatoes or flour, are a fantastic choice for this dish because of their texture. When cooked correctly, gnocchi is soft and light, with just the right amount of chew. Their subtle flavor acts as a perfect backdrop to the rich, creamy alfredo sauce.

What sets gnocchi apart from other pastas is its ability to absorb flavors. In this dish, the gnocchi soaks up the creamy, truffle-infused sauce, allowing each bite to be packed with indulgent flavor. The gnocchi’s soft texture complements the richness of the alfredo sauce, making this dish feel both satisfying and luxurious.

The Truffle Factor: Adding Elegance and Depth

The star ingredient in this Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is the white truffle oil. Truffle oil, made by infusing olive oil with the essence of truffles, is a game-changer in this recipe. It adds a deep, earthy aroma that instantly elevates the dish. White truffle oil has a more subtle, delicate flavor compared to its black counterpart, making it the perfect complement to the creamy sauce without overpowering it.

Truffle oil is known for its ability to make simple dishes feel elegant and special. A little goes a long way, so just a drizzle in the sauce and a final touch before serving is all you need to bring that luxurious, umami flavor to the dish.

A Creamy Sauce That’s Rich But Balanced

The sauce in Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The base is made with heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese, giving it a velvety texture. The creaminess of the sauce is the perfect match for the soft gnocchi, creating a comforting, indulgent experience with every bite.

The addition of parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. Parmesan is a key ingredient in alfredo sauce, and using freshly grated parmesan ensures that the sauce has a smooth, velvety finish without any graininess.

For those looking for an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of truffle salt and Trader Joe’s Umami Seasoning (optional), which further enhance the richness and depth of the sauce. The Umami seasoning adds a savory complexity that makes each bite more flavorful, while the truffle salt amplifies the truffle flavor in the sauce.

Quick and Easy: A 20-Minute Meal

One of the best things about Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is how quickly it comes together. In under 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy. Here’s why this dish is so easy to make:

• Gnocchi cooks quickly: Since gnocchi is typically pre-cooked, it only needs to be boiled for a couple of minutes until it floats to the surface. This means you don’t have to wait long before adding it to the sauce.

• The sauce is made in minutes: The creamy truffle sauce comes together quickly on the stove. The butter and truffle oil are melted together and then combined with the cream, cream cheese, and cheese. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, it’s ready to toss with the gnocchi.

• Minimal cleanup: With just one pan for the sauce and a pot for the gnocchi, cleanup is a breeze. You can make this dish on a weeknight without the need for extra time spent scrubbing pots and pans.

How to Serve Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo

While Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is a meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to round out your dinner:

• With a Light Salad: Since the dish is rich and creamy, a light salad with mixed greens, lemon, and olive oil would be the perfect balance. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.

• With Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment. The crispy, buttery bread soaks up any leftover sauce, adding another layer of comfort to your meal.

• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli are a great side dish to serve alongside this gnocchi. The charred edges and natural sweetness of roasted veggies pair wonderfully with the rich alfredo sauce.

• With Grilled Chicken: For a more substantial meal, serve the gnocchi with grilled chicken. The smoky, charred chicken provides a savory balance to the creamy, truffle-infused gnocchi.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Special Occasions

While Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is quick enough for a weeknight dinner, its rich and indulgent flavors make it the perfect dish for special occasions as well. The creamy sauce and the delicate truffle aroma bring a touch of elegance to the table, making it a great choice for date nights, dinner parties, or any meal where you want to impress.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish delivers on both flavor and presentation. The beautiful contrast between the golden gnocchi and the creamy sauce creates a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Customizing the Recipe

While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also versatile. You can customize the dish to your liking with the following options:

• Add protein: If you want to make this a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or even pancetta for extra flavor.

• Make it vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, this recipe is already perfect for that. Just be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly parmesan alternative if you need to make it dairy-free.

• Add extra herbs: For added freshness, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. The herbs will provide a burst of color and flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food with Elegance

Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is the ultimate indulgence in a bowl. With its creamy sauce, delicate gnocchi, and earthy truffle flavor, this dish brings together comfort and sophistication in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a special meal, this gnocchi dish will not disappoint.

Quick, easy, and full of flavor, Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo is the perfect comfort food that feels like a luxury. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal with a touch of elegance!