Gnocchi, Sweet Corn & Arugula in Cream Sauce +Chicken

2 small ears of fresh sweet corn
or 2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
3/4 cup half-and-half or light cream
1 3 ounce package cream cheese, cut up
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups torn fresh arugula
Crushed red pepper (optional)

Replace the corn with 1 cup chopped red sweet pepper and/or add 12 oz cooked shrimp after tossing with gnocchi with the cream sauce.

1. In Dutch oven cook gnocchi according to package directions, adding corn the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Use tongs to transfer ears of corn (if using) to cutting board. Drain gnocchi and corn kernels (if using), reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Do not rinse.

2. Meanwhile, for cream sauce, in medium saucepan combine half-and-half, cream cheese, salt, garlic powder, dried herb, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in reserved pasta water.

3. Return cooked pasta to Dutch oven. Cut corn from cob and add to pasta. Pour cream sauce over pasta; heat through, if necessary. Stir in arugula. Serve in bowls. Sprinkle with additional salt, pepper, dried herb, and crushed red pepper.

Serving Size: 1 cup

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KPOW6586.