Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi – A Hearty, Flavorful Dinner Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, rich, and comforting meal the effort, this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe is a must-try! This dish is packed with bold Italian flavors, combining juicy, tender chicken meatballs with a creamy Tuscan sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. The best part? The slow cooker does alit requires minimally the hard work for you, making this the perfect hands-off dinner.

Not only is this meal incredibly satisfying, but it’s also great for meal prep and busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing guests, or just craving a cozy meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with very little effort.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy & Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Rich & Creamy Tuscan Sauce: Packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach.
• Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs: Infused with Italian herbs and spices.
• One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup and hassle.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish.

What Makes Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Unique?

Tuscan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and simple, rustic ingredients. These Tuscan chicken meatballs are inspired by the classic Italian flavors of olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Unlike traditional beef meatballs, these are made with ground chicken, which gives them a lighter texture but still keeps them incredibly juicy. When slow-cooked in a creamy, garlicky sauce, they absorb all the delicious flavors, making them absolutely irresistible.

Gnocchi, the pillowy Italian dumplings, are the perfect addition to this dish, soaking up all the creamy sauce and adding a delightful texture. The result? A rich, satisfying, and restaurant-quality dish right from your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

To make this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi, you’ll need simple yet flavorful ingredients.

For the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground chicken	1 lb
Breadcrumbs	½ cup
Grated Parmesan cheese	¼ cup
Egg	1 large
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
Italian seasoning	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Red pepper flakes (optional)	¼ tsp

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Onion (chopped)	1 small
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)	½ cup
Chicken broth	2 cups
Heavy cream	1 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup
Spinach (chopped)	2 cups
Salt & black pepper	To taste

For Serving

Ingredient	Quantity
Gnocchi	16 oz
Fresh basil	For garnish
Extra Parmesan cheese	Optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 – Prepare the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until just combined, then form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Optional: Lightly sear the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil for a golden crust. This enhances the flavor but is not required.

2 – Make the Tuscan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
3. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.

3 – Slow Cook the Meatballs

1. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4 – Add the Gnocchi

1. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in gnocchi and spinach.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pro Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Meatballs

• Use fresh ground chicken – It holds moisture better than pre-packaged varieties.
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – This keeps them light and tender.
• Brown the meatballs before slow cooking – Adds a rich depth of flavor.
• Add gnocchi at the end – Prevents overcooking and mushiness.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Enhances the taste of the sauce.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of chicken – Similar texture but slightly different flavor.
• Make it dairy-free – Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gnocchi.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers – For extra texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi

• Crusty Italian Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – Adds a nutritious side dish.
• Fresh Green Salad – Balances the richness of the dish.
• A Glass of White Wine – Pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Storage & Reheating Tips Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze cooked meatballs (without gnocchi) for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the meatball mixture – Can make the meatballs dense and tough.
• Adding gnocchi too early – Results in a mushy texture.
• Skipping the browning step – Reduces flavor depth.
• Using too much liquid – Sauce should be creamy, not watery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe is everything you need for a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. With juicy, tender chicken meatballs, a creamy Tuscan sauce, and the perfect addition of gnocchi, it’s a dish that brings the heart of Italy straight to your table. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for your family, or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Give it a try and let us know how it goes in the comments below. We love hearing your feedback and any fun variations you added to the dish. Ready to enjoy a hassle-free, flavorful meal? Let’s get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! Just be sure to add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, but low heat gives the best texture. If using high, cook for 3-4 hours.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add extra Parmesan or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).

4. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

Use a stovetop – simmer meatballs and sauce on low for 45 minutes.

5. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes, then do a quick release.