Description
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, spinach, and herbs, served with pillowy gnocchi. Perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce and heavy cream over the meatballs, then top with chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add the cooked gnocchi to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine with the sauce and meatballs. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve the meatballs and gnocchi with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs, chicken meatballs gnocchi, creamy meatballs, gnocchi with tomato sauce