Gnocchi with Corn and Arugula in Cream Sauce

This delicious dumpling / pasta recipe features gnocchi (pronounced "noki"), sweet corn and fresh arugula tossed with a wonderful and easy seasoned cream sauce made with cream cheese and half-and-half that takes just minutes to make. In fact, this entire dish can be prepared in less than a half an hour!

First, let's talk about the ingredients. Arugula is a leafy green that is found in the produce department of most grocery stores, usually in the section that displays packaged lettuce, herbs and other leafy items, whether in bags or plastic boxes. Some natural, whole food or other speciality grocery stores might also place arugula near the bundled leafy greens. Arugula leaves are small, and have a somewhat chewy texture with mild flavor. Once mixed in with the gnocchi and sauce, they quickly wilt, softening their texture while retaining their rich green color. Now, if you have trouble finding arugula or simply prefer a different leafy green, fresh raw spinach will work beautifully with this dish as well, and has a less chewy texture than arugula.
What is gnocchi? Gnocchi (singularly called "gnoccho") are thick, soft dumplings (some might refer to them as a type of pasta) that as with pasta, are traditionally made with semolina or wheat flour and egg. Sometimes cheese and/or potato are added for additional flavor. This pasta recipe calls for potato gnocchi, though if you can't locate gnocchi in your store, basic gnocchi will work fine as well. Gnocchi can be found in the pasta and noodles isle in your grocery store, usually packaged in a sealed air-tight package inside a box; or you might find gnocchi in the frozen foods section. If you're feeling ambitious, you can also make your own homemade gnocchi.

As for the corn used with this recipe, you can use canned corn (the quickest method). The photo above shows this dish with canned white corn, though yellow corn can also be used. Frozen corn may also be used, and is added to the pot with the gnocchi during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can buy 2 ears of corn, shuck them and place them in the pot with the gnocchi during the last 5 minutes of cooking as well, then cut the kernels off the cob.

Now that you know a little bit more about the ingredients of this pasta dish, let's talk flavor! This creamy dumpling dish is full of creamy flavor and is so satisfying, it can be served as a side to a main course or the main course itself. Each serving is sprinkled with a little salt, some freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes, giving this dish the perfect final touch and flavor boost! (Note: Red pepper flakes are optional, but recommended!).