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Slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

Slow cooker tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi

Maria
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
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
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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.

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