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A bowl of slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, served in a creamy tomato sauce.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi – Recipe Recap

Sarah
Discover the delicious recipe for slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi—creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Tuscan
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

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

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Fat: 22g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
Keyword creamy Tuscan chicken, crockpot gnocchi recipe, Italian meatballs, slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi