Get ready to sink your teeth into a dish that’s cozy, comforting, and full of flavor! Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the ultimate hands-off meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Picture tender chicken meatballs simmering in a rich, creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, all served alongside soft, pillowy gnocchi. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket of deliciousness. And the best part? You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about ease and satisfaction. Here’s why this recipe will win you over:

Versatile

This meal works for any occasion—whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual dinner, or just craving something comforting on a weeknight. It’s the perfect dish for any time of year.

Budget-Friendly

Chicken is a cost-effective protein, and using frozen gnocchi means you can enjoy a hearty, indulgent meal without splurging.

Quick and Easy

Prep the meatballs, set everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Minimal effort for maximum flavor!

Customizable

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. You can swap out the gnocchi for pasta or add more veggies like spinach or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is perfect for both kids and adults. The creamy sauce and tender meatballs are sure to please everyone around the table.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi comes together with a few simple ingredients that deliver big on flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Chicken

The meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, giving them a lighter, yet juicy texture. You’ll want to season them well to bring out the flavor.

Gnocchi

Gnocchi is soft, pillowy, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. It cooks perfectly in the slow cooker and adds a comforting texture to the dish.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These bring a tangy, rich flavor to the sauce, giving it that classic Tuscan twist. They add depth and a pop of color.

Heavy Cream

For that creamy, dreamy sauce that coats everything just right, heavy cream is key. It adds richness and smoothness, balancing out the tangy tomatoes.

Chicken Broth

A little chicken broth helps to create a flavorful base for the sauce. It’s the perfect addition for making sure the meatballs stay juicy as they cook.

Garlic

Garlic is the heart of any great Tuscan dish, and this one’s no exception. It infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Parmesan Cheese

A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is added to the sauce for a savory, umami finish. It adds richness and a touch of salty goodness.

Fresh Basil

Chopped fresh basil is the perfect garnish to add a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this incredible Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi? Let’s dive into the steps:

Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

If you have a little extra time, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to add some extra flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the meatballs.

Slow Cook the Meatballs and Sauce

Place the meatballs into the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Add the Gnocchi

About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.

Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked to perfection, stir in the fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 500-600

(Note: these are approximate values and may vary based on ingredient choices.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

This dish is wonderful on its own, but here are some ways to make your meal even better:

Pair it with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for an added burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi turns out perfectly:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the chicken broth by half, or let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes after cooking.
To add some greens to the dish, stir in fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition.
You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings, just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold everything.

FAQ’s

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?
Yes, turkey works just as well in this recipe as chicken.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before reheating.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer the meatballs and sauce in a large pot over low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Add the gnocchi during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh gnocchi works too! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
Can I use a different pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or fusilli can be swapped for gnocchi if you prefer.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should also be tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Try adding some sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
What should I serve this dish with?
A side salad or garlic bread would complement this meal perfectly.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the kind of meal that brings joy to your table with minimal effort. Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (slow cooker on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender chicken meatballs cooked in a creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce, served with pillowy gnocchi for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into 20-24 meatballs and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker and add the meatballs. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker.
Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then add it to the slow cooker in the last 10 minutes of cooking, stirring to combine.
Serve the meatballs and gnocchi with the creamy sauce, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the chicken broth or add a little more Parmesan cheese.
For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze just before serving.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg