Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal that feels indulgent but comes together with so little effort, let me introduce you to my Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that nails comfort and elegance all in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want big flavor without the fuss. What sets this recipe apart is how the tender chicken meatballs soak up the creamy, garlicky Tuscan sauce, paired perfectly with soft gnocchi that almost melts in your mouth.

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the sun-dried tomatoes add just the right tangy sweetness, balancing the creamy broth and savory meatballs. You’ll find that whether you choose the slow cooker method or the quicker skillet version, this is a recipe that’s forgiving, flexible, and guaranteed to make your family go crazy for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor. Fresh garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a classic Italian seasoning blend come together beautifully in the meatballs and sauce, while gnocchi adds that wonderful pillowy texture that takes this dish to another level.

• Ground chicken: I recommend making your own by grinding fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and cost savings.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs so they hold together nice and tender.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Adds a subtle umami kick to the meatballs.
• Dried Italian seasoning blend: Delivers that classic herb flavor essential for Tuscan dishes.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the meatballs without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, it adds just the right amount of spice.
• Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and depth to the meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: Used to brown the meatballs, infusing extra tanginess.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture in the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced for that vibrant garlic punch in the sauce.
• White wine (optional): I love adding this for depth but feel free to skip if you want alcohol-free.
• Chicken broth: Low sodium is best so you can control the salt balance.
• Dried gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi works great here and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Chopped into the sauce for bursts of tang and color.
• Heavy cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously rich and silky.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, so you can tweak the seasoning perfectly.
• Baby spinach: Ripped into bite-sized pieces for freshness and a pop of green.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty, nutty finish; more for garnish if you like!

Variations

I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe depending on the season or my mood, and I encourage you to make it your own too. Whether you want to lighten it up, add veggies, or switch up the protein, the foundation is so flexible it really welcomes creativity.

• Swap the protein: I’ve made this with ground turkey or even ground pork when I wanted a richer flavor—both work wonderfully.
• Go vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs and veggie broth to keep the essence of the dish while making it meat-free.
• Add mushrooms: I sometimes toss sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms into the sauce for an earthy boost.
• Lighten up the sauce: You can swap heavy cream for 2% milk or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt for fewer calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, adding red pepper flakes when you brown the meatballs or in the sauce gives a nice kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and egg in a large bowl. I like to get my hands in there to mix everything evenly — it helps ensure all those flavors are thoroughly combined. Once mixed, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Pro tip: dampen your hands slightly if you find the mixture sticky—it makes shaping much easier!

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

This browning step is key for flavor. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your meatballs, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’ll want a nice golden crust but don’t worry about cooking them through completely here—the slow cooker or sauce will finish them off. I discovered browning the meatballs first adds an incredible depth that’s missing if you skip this step.

Step 3: Slow Cook or Simmer the Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs to your slow cooker along with diced onions, minced garlic, white wine if using, and chicken broth. Set the cooker on high for about 2.5 hours to let those flavors meld and the meatballs finish cooking. If you prefer the quicker skillet method, after browning add the onions, cook 5 minutes, then add garlic and wine, letting it simmer before stirring in broth, gnocchi, and simmering another 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Finish with Cream and Spinach

About 20 minutes before the slow cooker finishes (or after simmering broth and gnocchi in the skillet), stir in the dried gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, torn spinach, and heavy cream. Let everything cook until the gnocchi become tender and the spinach wilts into the sauce, about 20 minutes slow cooker or 5 minutes skillet. Finally, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty touch that ties it all together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Scoop the meatballs, gnocchi, and sauce into bowls, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, that last sprinkle always makes my family happy and adds a little extra kitchen magic to the presentation.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this dish simply with extra freshly grated Parmesan for a salty, umami-rich finish. Sometimes I sprinkle a little chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten things up and add a hint of herbaceousness. If you want a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged this dish in a large shallow bowl with the meatballs nestled over the gnocchi and swirls of sauce artfully drizzled on top. Adding fresh herb sprigs and edible flowers gives it that extra wow factor when guests arrive—such a simple way to elevate the rustic charm of the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep wonderfully up to four days. The meatballs stay tender, and the sauce thickens deliciously overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

If I want to freeze this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe, I usually separate the meatballs and sauce from the gnocchi before freezing. The gnocchi can go mushy after freezing, so I prefer to add fresh gnocchi after reheating the sauce and meatballs.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. When heated through, I add fresh gnocchi cooked separately on the stove, then toss to combine. This keeps the gnocchi pillowy and prevents it from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so comforting and effortless. I love how it feels fancy enough for company but is simple enough for everyday dinners. If you try it, I promise you’ll enjoy that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that remind me of those warm Italian meals shared with family. Give it a go — I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!

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