Valentine Dinner Truffle Mushroom Gnocchi

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love to create special dishes that bring joy and warmth to my loved ones, and this Valentine Dinner Truffle Mushroom Gnocchi is one of my favorites. The earthiness of the mushrooms combined with the luxurious taste of truffle oil elevates simple gnocchi into something truly exceptional. When I serve this dish, it always garners rave reviews and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress and create lasting memories.

Stella Cameron

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:49:21.399Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to prepare such a gourmet dish at home. The key is to use fresh mushrooms and good quality truffle oil, which really make a difference in flavor. I also discovered that adding a splash of white wine can help deglaze the pan and enhance the overall taste, providing a beautiful depth that complements the richness of the gnocchi.

Another tip I learned is to finish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs just before serving. This not only adds a visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor that ties everything together. Trust me, your loved ones will be in awe as soon as they take the first bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible blend of earthy mushrooms and decadent truffle oil
  • Creamy and rich sauce that coats each gnocchi perfectly
  • Valentine’s Day is made special with this elegant yet simple dish

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Choosing the right mushrooms can significantly impact the flavor of your truffle mushroom gnocchi. Varieties like cremini or shiitake provide a rich, meaty texture that pairs wonderfully with the cream and truffle oil. While button mushrooms are available year-round and accessible, they lack the depth of flavor these other options provide. Aim for fresh, firm mushrooms and avoid any that appear slimy or have dark spots for the best results.

Using high-quality olive oil is essential in this dish. A good extra virgin olive oil enhances the sautéed vegetables and contributes to the overall richness of the sauce. Check the bottle for harvest dates—fresher oil guarantees a more vibrant flavor. If you're looking to reduce calories, you can substitute half the oil with vegetable broth, but this may slightly alter the final taste and texture. If you opt for this substitution, allow the broth to reduce to a thicker consistency before adding the cream.

Perfecting the Sauce

Achieving the right balance in your sauce is crucial. When adding the heavy cream, ensure it simmers gently rather than boiling to prevent curdling. For a more luxurious feel, consider using a mixture of heavy cream and mascarpone cheese, which adds a delightful richness and silkiness. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it without being diluted—just remember to add it gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.

Truffle oil should be treated with care—start with just 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more; the flavor can be overpowering. If you want to experiment with a different type, consider several infused oils available on the market. Each will provide a unique aromatic note. Remember, it’s best to drizzle it in at the end of cooking for maximum flavor impact. Letting it simmer too long will diminish its distinct taste.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon truffle oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic.

Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and truffle oil, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, adding more cream if a thinner consistency is desired.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra fancy touch, drizzle some additional truffle oil just before serving to intensify the flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad and a nice white wine for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This truffle mushroom gnocchi can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dish for entertaining. You can cook the gnocchi and sauté the mushroom mixture a few hours before your dinner. Simply combine both before serving, adjusting the heat to warm everything through while preventing overcooking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but be aware that the gnocchi may absorb some sauce, so a quick splash of cream before reheating can restore its creaminess.

Alternatively, for longer storage, consider freezing the gnocchi before cooking them. Arrange uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen, but you may need to extend the cooking time by a minute or so if they haven't been parboiled.

Serving Suggestions

For an impressive presentation, serve the gnocchi in warm bowls, drizzle with extra truffle oil, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper along with the grated Parmesan. To elevate the experience, pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay, complementing the flavors without overpowering them. Adding a simple side salad of arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the gnocchi.

To add some texture to your dish, consider garnishing it with toasted pine nuts or sautéed spinach. Both options enhance visual appeal and add a delightful crunch. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, gluten-free gnocchi are widely available and can be substituted seamlessly in this recipe, ensuring everyone can enjoy this luxurious dish without compromise.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of white wine for deglazing, if desired.

→ What type of mushrooms work best?

I recommend using a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While the gnocchi is best fresh, you can sauté the vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time. Just combine with cooked gnocchi right before serving.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A nice Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.

Valentine Dinner Truffle Mushroom Gnocchi

I love to create special dishes that bring joy and warmth to my loved ones, and this Valentine Dinner Truffle Mushroom Gnocchi is one of my favorites. The earthiness of the mushrooms combined with the luxurious taste of truffle oil elevates simple gnocchi into something truly exceptional. When I serve this dish, it always garners rave reviews and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress and create lasting memories.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Stella Cameron

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Gnocchi

  1. 1 pound gnocchi
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 1 small onion, finely chopped
  4. 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1/2 cup white wine
  7. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  8. 1 tablespoon truffle oil
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  11. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.

Step 03

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and truffle oil, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, adding more cream if a thinner consistency is desired.

Step 05

Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra fancy touch, drizzle some additional truffle oil just before serving to intensify the flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad and a nice white wine for a complete meal.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 10g