Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi a hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken meatballs are simmered in a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. The tender gnocchi absorbs all the flavors, making every bite irresistible. Easy to prepare and packed with Italian-inspired goodness, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients:
Meatball Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken (or substitute with ground turkey)
¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 Tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil)
Sauce + Gnocchi Ingredients:
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 cups chicken broth
12 oz gnocchi (shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the mixture.
Form into small meatballs, about 1½ tablespoons each (makes 35–40).
2. Sear the Meatballs
Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet. Sear the meatballs until browned on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Work in batches if necessary. Meatballs don’t need to cook through at this stage.
3. Cook in Slow Cooker
Add the meatballs, diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on:
High: 20 minutes (if using Magnifique Clay Pot Oven)
Standard Slow Cooker: 3 hours
4. Add Gnocchi & Cream
Once the meatballs are cooked through, add gnocchi, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 10–20 minutes on high until the gnocchi is tender.
5. Finish with Spinach & Parmesan
Stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan. Allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken (about 10–15 minutes).
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan. Enjoy this hearty Tuscan-inspired dish!
Recipe Tips for Success:
Breadcrumbs: Use Italian breadcrumbs for extra flavor or panko for a lighter texture.
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Retains the rich, tangy flavor perfect for searing!
Gnocchi Timing: Add only as instructed to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Spinach: Boosts nutrition and adds vibrant color.
TuscanChickenMeatballs, GnocchiRecipes, SlowCookerMeals, CreamyDinnerIdeas, ItalianComfortFood, EasyGnocchiRecipe, ChickenMeatballs, OnePotMeals, WeeknightDinner, ComfortFood
Enjoy this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi for a simple yet indulgent dinner your family will love!
