Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe Delight

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the ease of slow cooking. This recipe features tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and white wine sauce, perfectly complemented by soft gnocchi and creamy spinach. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese enhances the flavors, making it a dish you’ll want to share with family and friends. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe

This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about convenience, too. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this dish:

• It’s a one-pot Tuscan chicken meatballs meal, making cleanup a breeze.
• The slow cooker does all the work, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Tender chicken meatballs are infused with Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes.
• It’s a healthy option, with gluten-free ingredients suitable for various diets.
• The creamy spinach adds a nutritious twist, making it a balanced meal.
• This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread, enhancing your dining experience.
• Perfect for meal prep; you can make it ahead of time and reheat easily.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe

Gather these items:

• 1 lb. ground chicken or turkey, preferably dark meat
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 oz.) Parmesan cheese, finely grated, divided
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp tomato oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
• 1 (17.5-oz.) package gnocchi
• 1/2 cup remaining sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3 cups packed baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well using your hands until evenly combined. Form the mixture into 18 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Step 2: In the slow cooker, combine finely chopped onion, garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, dry white wine, tomato oil, and a pinch of salt. Nestle the meatballs gently into the liquid. Cover and cook on high for approximately 4 hours, or until meatballs are fully cooked through.
3. Step 3: Arrange an oven rack in the upper third position and preheat the broiler. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked meatballs onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Stir in the package of gnocchi and the remaining 1/2 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker mixture. Cover and cook on high for about 20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
5. Step 5: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil the meatballs, watching closely and turning once halfway through, until they develop golden brown spots, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir the baby spinach, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker with the gnocchi and sauce. Return the broiled meatballs into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
7. Step 7: Divide the gnocchi and meatballs evenly among bowls. Top each serving with additional Parmesan cheese to taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe

Keep these in mind:

• Use dark meat chicken for juicier meatballs.
• Adjust the seasoning to your preference for a bolder flavor.
• Broiling the meatballs adds a delightful crispy texture.
• For a healthier option, consider using whole grain or gluten-free gnocchi.
• This recipe can be made in advance and stored for meal prep.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe

Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Serve with a fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
• A slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this comforting dish.
• Top with extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe?

The secret lies in the combination of flavorful ingredients and the slow cooking method, which allows the meatballs to soak up the rich sauce, making them tender and delicious.

Can I make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat and add the gnocchi before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure the meatballs are not overcrowded in the slow cooker, and don’t skip the broiling step, as it adds essential texture and flavor.

Variations of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe You Can Try

Here are some variations to keep things interesting:

• Swap ground chicken for turkey for a lighter option.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
• Try different cheeses, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
• Use cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb alternative.

For more delicious recipes, check out Healthy Sloppy Joes or Creamy Spinach Cheese Lasagna. If you’re looking for a quick meal, try One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta for a delightful dinner option.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Gnocchi Recipe Delight

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• Author: Margaret
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe features tender chicken meatballs simmered in a savory tomato and white wine sauce, complemented by soft gnocchi and creamy spinach.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. ground chicken or turkey, preferably dark meat
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 oz.) Parmesan cheese, finely grated, divided
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp tomato oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
• 1 (17.5-oz.) package gnocchi
• 1/2 cup remaining sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3 cups packed baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well using your hands until evenly combined. Form the mixture into 18 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
2. In the slow cooker, combine finely chopped onion, garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, dry white wine, tomato oil, and a pinch of salt. Nestle the meatballs gently into the liquid. Cover and cook on high for approximately 4 hours, or until meatballs are fully cooked through.
3. Arrange an oven rack in the upper third position and preheat the broiler. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked meatballs onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Stir in the package of gnocchi and the remaining 1/2 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker mixture. Cover and cook on high for about 20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
5. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil the meatballs, watching closely and turning once halfway through, until they develop golden brown spots, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
6. Stir the baby spinach, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker with the gnocchi and sauce. Return the broiled meatballs into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
7. Divide the gnocchi and meatballs evenly among bowls. Top each serving with additional Parmesan cheese to taste.

Notes

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg