If you love cozy Italian flavors without the fuss, Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is your new go-to dinner. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, this dish brings juicy chicken meatballs, soft gnocchi, and a creamy Tuscan sauce together in one pot.
If you enjoy one-pot Italian comfort meals, you might also love my Crock Pot Tuscan chicken pasta.
Recipe at a Glance
- Flavor: Juicy Tuscan chicken meatballs, tender gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce
- Time: 10 minutes prep | 3 hours 30 minutes cook
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep
- Equipment: Slow cooker, skillet, mixing bowl
- Serve With: Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple salad
- Why You'll Love It: Hands-off slow cooking, minimal cleanup, and big, comforting flavors
The first time I made these Slow Cooker Tuscan Meatballs with Gnocchi, the smell of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan had everyone pretty excited for dinner. Juicy chicken meatballs, tender gnocchi, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made it an instant family favorite. If you love easy, hands-off Italian dinners, this one's a must-try!
If you love the flavors in this dish, you'll also enjoy my Crock Pot zuppa Toscana and Crock Pot Tuscan chicken.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is hands-off, easy, and full of flavor. Juicy chicken meatballs, tender gnocchi, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together for a comforting dinner the whole family will enjoy. Minimal prep and one pot make it perfect for weeknight meals.
- One-pot dinner with minimal prep
- Rich, creamy, and comforting flavors
- Family-friendly and perfect for leftovers
Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for tender, juicy meatballs.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a sweet, tangy flavor that really enhances the Tuscan meatballs with gnocchi.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded. It's key for that cheesy richness in these Tuscan chicken meatballs and gnocchi.
- Gnocchi: Fresh or packaged gnocchi works. No need to boil first; it cooks perfectly in the sauce. For more gnocchi inspiration, check out my slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup.
- Spinach: Baby spinach adds color and a mild freshness.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic depth, while the Italian seasoning blend brings the classic Tuscan-inspired flavor that ties everything together.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken meatballs with store-bought or homemade vegetarian meatballs. Keep the creamy sauce and gnocchi for a comforting, meat-free version.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini in the last 20 minutes of cooking to add color, texture, and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to the sauce for a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in extra Parmesan or mozzarella in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a richer, cheesier sauce that makes the dish even more indulgent.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
Making slow cooker chicken meatballs with gnocchi is easier than it looks. With just a few minutes of prep and a slow cooker, you'll have juicy meatballs, tender gnocchi, and a creamy, cheesy sauce ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs. Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Shape it into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for about 2 minutes per side to add flavor. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce in the Slow Cooker. Whisk together chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika in the slow cooker. Add the seared meatballs on top. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Finish Cooking. Whisk the heavy cream with cornstarch. Stir the cream mixture, Parmesan, gnocchi, and spinach into the slow cooker. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts. Serve hot alongside some fresh focaccia bread.
Expert Tips
- Tender Meatballs: Don't overmix the meatball mixture for a tender and juicy texture.
- Searing for Flavor: Don't skip this step. Browning the meatballs adds depth and flavor.
- Gentle Stirring: Stir carefully after adding the gnocchi to avoid breaking them apart.
- Cream Choice: Full-fat cream makes the sauce richest, while half-and-half works if you prefer it lighter.
- Prep Ahead: Shape the meatballs the night before and refrigerate to save time on cooking day.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- These slow cooker gnocchi and meatballs are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Pair it with my slow cooked green bean casserole or glazed carrots for an easy, complete meal.
- Great for entertaining or potlucks, everyone will love the creamy sauce and cheesy meatballs. Start with my Crock Pot spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer and finish on a sweet note with a delicious apple cobbler in the slow cooker.
Recipe FAQs
The meatballs can be frozen before cooking, but it's not recommended to freeze the gnocchi in the creamy sauce, as it may become mushy when thawed. Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months.
Add the gnocchi during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking and stir gently. Avoid overcooking or stirring too vigorously.
Yes, ground turkey, a blend of chicken and turkey, or even ground beef works well. Ground beef will give a richer flavor, but the cooking method and creamy sauce remain the same.
More Delicious Crock Pot Meatball Recipes
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup green onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes drained and finely chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Gnocchi and Marry Me Sauce
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 16 ounces packaged gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, egg, green onion, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and Worcestershire. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 1½-inch meatballs and set on parchment.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and sear for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add chicken broth, sundried tomatoes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika to the slow cooker. Whisk util well combined then add seared meatballs in.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and cornstarch. Then add the heavy cream mixture, Parmesan cheese, gnocchi, and spinach into the slow cooker. Mix until combined, then continue cooking for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the spinach is wilted.
Notes
- Shape the meatballs gently for tenderness.
- Sear the meatballs in batches to avoid crowding.
- Stir the sauce after adding gnocchi to prevent sticking.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen says
These chicken meatballs are so hearty creamy and delicious. They hit the spot when you are looking for a comfort meal.