Ready to experience a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Say hello to Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi! This dish is the epitome of cozy, with tender chicken meatballs, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce that’ll have you spooning up every last bite. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for a busy day when you just want something amazing to come together with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with how effortlessly delicious this meal is!

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

This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: You can swap the chicken meatballs for turkey or even lean beef for a different flavor. You can also add in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own.

Budget-Friendly: Using chicken, gnocchi, and pantry staples like cream and broth keeps this dish affordable while still tasting luxurious.

Quick and Easy: All you have to do is toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The hardest part is waiting for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.

Customizable: Add a sprinkle of parmesan, fresh herbs, or even some chili flakes to adjust the flavors to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a cozy dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, from the first bite to the last!

Ingredients

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Let’s break down the key ingredients that come together to create this comforting, flavorful dish:

Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs, lean and tender, offering a light but satisfying bite. It’s seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a bit of parmesan for extra flavor.

Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the rich sauce and provide the perfect texture to balance the hearty meatballs.

Heavy Cream: Rich and silky, the heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that makes the dish feel indulgent yet comforting.

Chicken Broth: A savory base for the sauce that brings all the flavors together, with just the right amount of depth.

Garlic: Fragrant and bold, garlic is essential for creating that aromatic layer of flavor that infuses the sauce.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, giving this dish its unmistakable Tuscan flair.

Parmesan Cheese: A touch of parmesan helps enhance the savory profile of the meatballs and the sauce, adding that signature cheesy richness.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a healthy, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy sauce.

Olive Oil: A little olive oil to sauté the garlic and start building that savory foundation of flavors.

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

Instructions

Here’s how to make this dreamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi:

Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, egg, and seasonings. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, just a nice golden sear.

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the seared meatballs in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir to combine.

Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Add the Gnocchi: About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi to the slow cooker. Stir it gently into the sauce, making sure the gnocchi is submerged.

Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce for the final 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the gnocchi is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, serve the dish hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 servings

Calories per serving: 480

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

This dish is hearty and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

Pair with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Serve with warm, crusty bread to dip into the sauce. Nothing beats soaking up that creamy goodness!

Top with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi even more delicious:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch into a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works just fine—just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.

To add even more flavor to the meatballs, try mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil.

If you want to make this dish in advance, assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Just cook it the next day.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Brown the meatballs and cook them in a large pot with the broth and cream, then add the gnocchi and spinach to finish cooking.

2. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store the meatballs, gnocchi, and sauce in an airtight container.

3. Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe.

4. Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, if you have homemade gnocchi, feel free to use it instead of store-bought. Just make sure to add it toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and make sure to check the gnocchi for gluten-free options.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic.

7. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink inside.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts to give it more texture and flavor.

9. Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?

You can substitute parmesan with asiago or pecorino cheese for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I skip the cream?

You can substitute the cream with milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor and oh-so-easy to make. With minimal prep, a few ingredients, and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you get a meal that’s creamy, savory, and completely satisfying. Perfect for busy days or when you want to treat yourself to something delicious and hearty. Give it a try you won’t regret it!

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