Description
This slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi recipe is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s both easy to make and full of rich flavors. Juicy chicken meatballs are slow-cooked in a garlic-infused, sun-dried tomato, and spinach cream sauce, then paired with pillowy gnocchi for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this one-pot dish is both hearty and hassle-free!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Gnocchi
- 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- Pour chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker.
- Place the meatballs inside, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, stir in heavy cream, spinach, and red pepper flakes.
Add Gnocchi:
- Add gnocchi in the last 15-20 minutes and cook until tender.
Serve & Garnish:
- Stir everything together and serve warm.
- Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Enjoy this rich, creamy, and satisfying slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi for an easy, no-fuss meal!
Notes
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them overnight before slow cooking.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months (store gnocchi separately to prevent mushiness).
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and gluten-free gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 4 servings)
- Calories: 753 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g (estimated from tomatoes & dairy)
- Sodium: ~850mg (varies by broth & cheese used)
- Fat: 39.25g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~18g (estimated based on olive oil & chicken)
- Trans Fat: ~0g (minimal in fresh ingredients)
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: ~5g (from spinach & tomatoes)
- Protein: 36.75g
- Cholesterol: ~135mg (mostly from chicken, cheese & cream)
Keywords: slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi, slow cooker meals, Tuscan meatballs, Italian slow cooker recipes, creamy chicken meatballs, gnocchi recipes, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, meal prep recipes