Slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a great choice. This dish combines tender chicken meatballs in a creamy sauce with soft gnocchi. It’s simple to make, and the slow cooker does all the work, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Why We Love This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

There’s something truly magical about this dish. The slow cooker brings out the best in every ingredient, making it the ultimate comfort food. But what really sets this recipe apart is its balance of richness and freshness. The chicken meatballs provide a light yet hearty base, while the creamy Tuscan sauce is infused with the bright, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach.

The gnocchi, those soft, pillowy dumplings, are a perfect vehicle for soaking up the sauce, giving every bite an irresistible texture. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Not only is this dish packed with incredible flavor, but it’s also delightfully simple to prepare. Simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready to enjoy. The convenience factor is a huge win, especially for busy nights when you need a meal that requires minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients For Slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tuscan Sauce:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Step 1: Make the Chicken Meatballs

Start by mixing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until they are evenly combined. The mixture should have a slightly sticky texture without being overly wet. If it’s too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together.

Once everything is mixed, roll the meatball mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs – about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or tray and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tuscan Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and dried Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, you can also add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Pour this mixture into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Meatballs to the Slow Cooker

Carefully place the meatballs into the slow cooker, making sure they’re nestled in the sauce. The sauce should mostly cover the meatballs. If necessary, spoon some of the sauce over the top to ensure the meatballs are well-coated.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi

About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi and spinach to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce, making sure the gnocchi is covered by the sauce. Let everything cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve! Spoon the meatballs, gnocchi, and sauce into serving bowls. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Here are a few expert tips to help you get the best results with this recipe:

1. Don’t Skip Browning the Meatballs: While the slow cooker does most of the work, browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can help develop deeper flavors. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but browning the meatballs adds a nice caramelized exterior.
2. Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor: Fresh basil and parsley can make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. They add a vibrant, herbaceous note that’s hard to replicate with dried herbs.
3. Watch the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly and can become mushy if left in the sauce for too long. Be sure to add the gnocchi in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you find that the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can let it cook uncovered for a bit to reduce and thicken.
5. Add a Touch of Lemon: If you want a bit of freshness to balance out the richness, squeeze a little lemon juice over the dish just before serving. It brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker with too many meatballs. Give them some space so they can cook evenly. If your slow cooker is too small, consider cooking the meatballs in batches.

Underseasoning: The sauce and meatballs need a good amount of seasoning to bring out their flavors. Remember to taste during preparation and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. Don’t forget to season the sauce with Italian seasoning or herbs to bring out the Tuscan flavors.

Not Stirring the Gnocchi Enough: Make sure the gnocchi is well-coated in the sauce. Stir gently to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Variations to Try For Slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

While the original recipe is absolutely delicious, there are a few fun variations you can try to switch things up:

Swap the Chicken for Turkey: If you prefer turkey, you can easily substitute ground turkey for the chicken in the meatballs. It’ll still be tender and flavorful.

Add Bacon: For a smoky flavor, add crispy bacon bits to the sauce or sprinkle on top when serving. Bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of richness.

Go Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken meatballs with veggie meatballs or make your own with plant-based ingredients. You can also swap the gnocchi for a vegetarian variety.

Add Roasted Red Peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. Toss some in for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions For Slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

This dish is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes:

1. Simple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish. Try a classic arugula salad for a peppery touch.
2. Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a slice of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce? It’s a perfect pairing for this dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or green beans make a great side to balance the richness of the gnocchi and meatballs.

How to Store Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores and reheats beautifully.

• In the Refrigerator: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the dish in a saucepan on low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

Kwika Recipes

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken meatballs in a creamy Tuscan sauce with soft, pillowy gnocchi. With minimal hands-on time, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy nights or dinner parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Food

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tuscan Sauce:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for a touch of heat
• 1 cup spinach fresh or frozen

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb potato gnocchi store-bought or homemade
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside for later.

Make the Tuscan Sauce

• In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce mixture into your slow cooker.

Cook the Meatballs

• Carefully add the meatballs to the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly spaced in the sauce. Cover and let them cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until they are fully cooked and tender.

Add the Gnocchi

• About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the gnocchi and spinach. Gently mix to coat the gnocchi in the sauce, and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and tender.

Serve the Dish

• Once everything is ready, ladle the meatballs, gnocchi, and sauce into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley before serving hot.