Let’s check out what makes this dish so great (and if my kids liked it).

What Are Gnocchi?

Gnocchi (pronounced nyow-kee) are small, potato-based dumplings that have been boiled lightly in salted water. Some people think of gnocchi as a fancy restaurant-only dish, but you can find pre-made gnocchi in most grocery stores. Once cooked, all you need is a simple sauce and a few add-ins for a complete meal. Note: Since gnocchi is usually made with a little flour, it is not gluten-free. Try making these Cauliflower Gnocchi if you need a gluten-free recipe!

Why You Should Use Fresh Corn in This Recipe

Corn is in season this time of year, so don’t use frozen corn unless you already have an abundance of it in your freezer, or you’re making this another time of year. Find some fresh, sweet corn in the store or market and cut the kernels off the cob. Use a sharp knife, and cut the kernels off over a bowl so they don’t scatter around your countertop!

Go Light or Heavy on the Sauce—you Pick!

When it comes to the sauce for this skillet, you can either use a little water from cooking the gnocchi to make a light sauce, or you can use cream for a richer flavor.

The Kid Report Card

“Team. Are you ready for special basketball pasta?!” That’s how I sold this to my kids: basketball pasta—except please shoot it in your mouth instead of in the hoop. (Yes, we have a basketball hoop in our dining room and, no, I don’t want to get into it.) This is a great dish for kids. The flavors have a few twists, but are overall mild and familiar to many kids. Gnocchi is a super fun and easy-to-eat food for little fingers or forks. Both of my kids scarfed down good-sized portions, so I felt pretty good about my 20 minutes of kitchen work!

More Sweet Corn Recipes!

Pan Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn and Chiles Guacamole with Charred Sweet Corn, Bacon and Tomato Corn Relish Spicy Corn Fritters Grilled Corn Salad

Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for a few days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a little water. If you freeze the dish, make sure to thaw and reheat it gently. A microwave will ruin the sauce and the gnocchi texture.