Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
This easy and flavorful Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi dish is made in a slow cooker, offering rich flavors and tender meatballs in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this dish combines ground chicken, creamy sauce, and soft gnocchi, all cooked to perfection with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Gnocchi:
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Place the meatballs inside the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Pour the heavy cream over the meatballs and cover the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked.
Add Gnocchi and Spinach:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
- Add the fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the spinach is wilted.
Serve:
- Once everything is cooked, serve the Tuscan chicken meatballs and gnocchi in bowls, ensuring some of the creamy sauce, meatballs, and gnocchi are included in each serving.
- Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Substitute Ground Turkey: If you prefer, you can swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Frozen Gnocchi: If using frozen gnocchi, add 10-15 extra minutes of cooking time for it to fully cook.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.