There’s something truly comforting about a slow-cooked meal, especially when it’s as rich and flavorful as these Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmering in a creamy Tuscan sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach—all coming together effortlessly in your Crockpot.
If you love Italian-inspired comfort food that’s both easy and satisfying, this dish is a must-try. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy family dinner, these homemade chicken meatballs paired with pillowy gnocchi will make every bite feel like a warm hug. Ready to bring a taste of Tuscany to your table? Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and low-effort meal, these Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi check all the boxes. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
✔️ Easy & Hands-Free: Let your Crockpot do the work—just mix, shape, and simmer.
✔️ Rich & Creamy Flavor: The Tuscan-inspired sauce, made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, is irresistibly creamy.
✔️ Perfect Comfort Food: Soft, juicy chicken meatballs paired with pillowy gnocchi make this a cozy, satisfying meal.
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for a stress-free dinner or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
✔️ Family-Approved: A kid-friendly dish packed with Italian flavors that everyone will love.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, this slow cooker recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Now, let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather everything you need for these Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- Ground chicken – Light yet juicy, perfect for tender meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, nutty depth of flavor.
- Egg – Essential for holding everything together.
- Garlic & onion (minced) – A must for flavor-packed meatballs.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme for classic Tuscan flavors.
- Salt & black pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- Olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Garlic (minced) – Infuses the sauce with deep, savory notes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – For a tangy-sweet kick (Learn more about the benefits of sun-dried tomatoes).
- Chicken broth – Forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
- Heavy cream – Makes the sauce velvety and luxurious.
- Fresh spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy taste.
- Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
For the Gnocchi:
- Store-bought or homemade gnocchi – These pillowy potato dumplings soak up all the delicious sauce.
With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re just a few steps away from a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in your slow cooker!
How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
This one-pot slow cooker meal is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Follow these simple steps to create juicy chicken meatballs in a rich, creamy Tuscan sauce—all effortlessly cooked in your Crockpot.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté for Extra Flavor (Optional, But Recommended!)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Lightly brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor.
💡 Skipping this step? No worries! The slow cooker will still make them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the meatballs on top.
- Pour in chicken broth and cook on:
- Low for 5-6 hours OR
- High for 3-4 hours
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Let the flavors meld together as the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the Gnocchi
- In the final 15 minutes, gently stir in the gnocchi.
- Cover and cook until they are soft and pillowy.
Once done, give everything a final stir, garnish with extra Parmesan, and serve warm. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of Italian-inspired comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
For expert slow-cooking techniques, visit Serious Eats – Slow Cooking Tips.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to take your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi to the next level? Here are some expert tips and delicious variations to customize this dish to your taste!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
✔ Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture – Gently mix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender. Over-mixing can make them dense.
✔ Brown the Meatballs for Extra Flavor – While optional, searing them before slow cooking adds a golden crust and enhances the taste.
✔ Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess – Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
✔ Add the Gnocchi at the End – If added too early, gnocchi can become mushy. Stir them in during the last 15 minutes for perfect texture.
✔ Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Right before serving, taste the sauce and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan for the perfect balance.
Delicious Variations
✨ Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
✨ Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey for a leaner option or Italian sausage for a bolder taste.
✨ Go Dairy-Free – Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy yet dairy-free alternative.
✨ Try Different Greens – Not a fan of spinach? Use kale or Swiss chard for a heartier texture.
✨ Make It Gluten-Free – Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and use gluten-free gnocchi.
With these pro tips and variations, you can easily customize this dish to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, here are some ideas to elevate your meal.
Best Sides to Serve
🥖 Crusty Bread – A warm loaf of garlic bread or ciabatta is perfect for soaking up the creamy Tuscan sauce.
🥗 Fresh Salad – Balance the richness with a crisp Italian salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition to your plate.
🧀 Extra Parmesan & Herbs – A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley enhances both the look and taste.
Wine & Beverage Pairings
🍷 White Wine – A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.
🍷 Red Wine – A light-bodied Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs well with the savory flavors of the meatballs.
🥤 Non-Alcoholic Options – A glass of lemon-infused sparkling water or iced herbal tea adds a refreshing contrast.
However you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, comforting flavors. Enjoy every bite!
Conclusion
There you have it—Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi, a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the rich, rustic taste of Tuscany right to your table. With its tender chicken meatballs, creamy garlic-infused sauce, and pillowy gnocchi, this meal is perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your kitchen stress-free. Plus, with the handy pro tips and variations, you can easily tailor the recipe to fit your preferences.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi – Recipe Recap
Ingredients
the Chicken Meatballs:
- Ground chicken Light yet juicy perfect for tender meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
- Parmesan cheese Adds a savory nutty depth of flavor.
- Egg Essential for holding everything together.
- Garlic & onion (minced) A must for flavor-packed meatballs.
- Italian seasoning A blend of basil oregano, and thyme for classic Tuscan flavors.
- Salt & black pepper Enhances all the flavors.
the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- Olive oil Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Garlic minced Infuses the sauce with deep, savory notes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes chopped Brings a tangy, slightly sweet balance.
- Chicken broth Forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
- Heavy cream Makes the sauce velvety and luxurious.
- Fresh spinach Adds color nutrients, and a subtle earthy taste.
- Parmesan cheese Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
the Gnocchi:
- Store-bought or homemade gnocchi These pillowy potato dumplings soak up all the delicious sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté for Extra Flavor (Optional, But Recommended!)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Lightly brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the meatballs on top.
- Pour in chicken broth and cook on:
- Low for 5-6 hours OR
- High for 3-4 hours
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Let the flavors meld together as the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the Gnocchi
- In the final 15 minutes, gently stir in the gnocchi.
- Cover and cook until they are soft and pillowy.
Notes
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
Got questions about making Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi? Here are some common ones to help you get the best results!\
1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes! While homemade chicken meatballs add incredible flavor, you can use frozen ones to save time. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?
To prevent overcooked gnocchi, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps them soft and pillowy without falling apart.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
5. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, but freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the gnocchi. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked gnocchi for the best texture.
Have more questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!