If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you’ve found your next go-to recipe. Imagine tender chicken meatballs simmering in a creamy, garlicky sauce, then paired with pillowy gnocchi. Sound dreamy? Trust me, this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is exactly what your taste buds need.
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This dish is so easy to put together, and it practically cooks itself while you go about your day. The slow cooker works its magic, and by dinnertime, you have a rich, flavorful meal that’s ready to serve with minimal effort. You’re going to want to make this one again and again.
Let’s talk about why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, hosting friends, or craving a comforting meal, this dish has you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You can prepare it in the morning and have it ready by dinner time, or make it for a cozy weekend meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. No need for fancy extras, just hearty, satisfying goodness.
Quick and Easy: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you! Just mix the ingredients, set it, and forget it until you’re ready to eat.
Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. You could even swap gnocchi for pasta if that’s what you prefer.
Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, this dish is sure to impress everyone. It’s creamy, savory, and just plain delicious!
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
Here’s the magic behind this dish—simple, fresh ingredients that come together for something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Ground Chicken: The lean base for these meatballs. It’s light but packed with flavor when seasoned properly.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and give them a tender, juicy texture.
Eggs: Hold everything together and add richness to the meatballs.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami kick that makes the meatballs so good.
Heavy Cream: Creates that dreamy, velvety sauce that makes this dish feel extra indulgent.
Chicken Broth: Adds the perfect amount of savory liquid for the meatballs to cook in.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that flavorful sauce—pure comfort in every bite.
Spinach: Adds color and a nutritional boost. Plus, it pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning: The classic blend that brings out those bold, herby flavors.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and balancing out the richness of the cream and cheese.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Form the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Roll into meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, then pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over them. Add a little extra garlic and Italian seasoning for good measure!
Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender, and the sauce will be creamy and thick.
Add the Gnocchi: About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi and spinach. Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
Finishing Touches: Once everything is cooked, give it a final stir. The sauce should be rich and creamy, with tender meatballs and soft gnocchi nestled in.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish that everyone will rave about. It’s a perfect one-pot wonder!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low (or 2–3 hours on high)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or 2 hours 15 minutes on high)
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: Serve with a simple, refreshing salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the meatballs and gnocchi.
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or a mix of seasonal veggies would be a great side dish to add some color and nutrients to your meal.
Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this dish.
As a Standalone: It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but you can always top it off with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.
Presentation matters too! Serve in large bowls with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a little extra oomph.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. This makes the slow cooker process even easier!
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free cream to make it gluten-free and dairy-free. You could also swap the chicken for turkey or another lean protein.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Double the Batch: This dish freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the chicken with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey will work perfectly here, and it’ll still be deliciously moist.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. You can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge, then cook them in the slow cooker later.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
Q5: Can I use regular pasta instead of gnocchi?
A5: Sure! If you prefer pasta, just cook it separately and stir it in near the end of cooking.
Q6: How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
A6: The meatballs should be firm to the touch and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to be sure.
Q7: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A7: Yes! Fresh spinach will wilt beautifully in the slow cooker and add a burst of vibrant color.
Q8: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A8: You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and cook in a larger slow cooker. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Q10: Can I add more vegetables?
A10: Definitely! Add zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again. It’s rich, flavorful, and super easy to prepare. Perfect for busy days when you want something comforting with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken meatballs, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb dried gnocchi (17.5 oz shelf-stable)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups baby spinach, ripped
- 1/4 cup parmesan, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, ⅓ cup breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1½ teaspoons garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 egg. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to a 6qt slow cooker.
- Add ¼ cup diced onion, 4 cloves minced garlic, ⅓ cup white wine (if using), and 2 cups chicken broth to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2.5 hours.
- Add 1 lb gnocchi, ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup heavy cream, and 3 cups ripped baby spinach to the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Stir in ¼ cup parmesan and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve garnished with extra parmesan.
- For skillet method: After browning meatballs, add ¼ cup diced onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and ⅓ cup white wine, simmering for 2 minutes.
- Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 lb gnocchi, simmering for 10-15 minutes, turning meatballs often until cooked through.
- Add 3 cups spinach, ⅓ cup heavy cream, and ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until combined, then stir in ¼ cup parmesan. Serve warm with extra parmesan.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking gnocchi.
- Omit wine for an alcohol-free version and replace with additional broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg