Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The slow cooker enhances the richness while gnocchi soaks up the sauce, creating a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one or two bites each.
3. Step 3: Optional: Lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for extra flavor.
4. Step 4: Place the meatballs gently into the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and chili flakes if using.
6. Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
8. Step 8: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
9. Step 9: Add the gnocchi to the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 20–25 minutes until the gnocchi is tender.
10. Step 10: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a low-carb version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and gnocchi with cooked pasta or potatoes.
• Use turkey or pork instead of ground chicken for a different flavor.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for deeper flavor.
• If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes to allow it to thicken.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Brown them and add to the slow cooker as instructed.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes will not provide the same concentrated flavor. You can use roasted red peppers as a substitute for a similar depth and sweetness.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi Recipe

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5 from 112 reviews

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy, garlicky broth with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The slow cooking method enhances the richness while gnocchi absorbs the luscious sauce, creating a hearty, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

To Finish

• 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about one to two bites each.
3. Brown Meatballs: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step adds extra flavor and texture but is optional.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully place the browned meatballs into the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
5. Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and chili flakes (if using).
6. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
7. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has richened.
8. Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce for several minutes.
9. Cook Gnocchi: Add the shelf-stable gnocchi to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed some sauce.
10. Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the meatballs and gnocchi hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil for garnish.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before slow cooking.
• Stir the contents of the slow cooker once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
• If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
• Breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender and prevent density; almond flour is a good low-carb substitute.
• Ground turkey or pork can be used as alternatives to ground chicken.
• Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Instead of gnocchi, cooked pasta or potatoes can be used if desired.
• Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a different cheese flavor or vegan adaptation.

Keywords: Slow Cooker, Tuscan, Chicken Meatballs, Gnocchi, Creamy Sauce, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Italian, Comfort Food, Slow Cooking