Name: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; ¾ cup breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 Tbsp sun-dried tomato oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup white wine (cooking wine or fresh); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 12 oz shelf stable gnocchi; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes; 2 cups spinach; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something so comforting about Italian flavors slow-cooked to perfection, and that’s exactly what my Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe delivers. Tender meatballs swimming in a creamy, garlicky sauce with tender gnocchi—pure comfort in every bite!

A white slow cooker filled with a creamy sauce layered with brown meatballs, light yellow gnocchi, dark green spinach leaves, and small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes. A wooden spoon rests inside the cooker on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. In the background, there is a wooden board with two clear glass bowls, one containing green spinach leaves and the other filled with grated pale yellow cheese. A small white bowl with red sun-dried tomatoes is placed near the top left corner, next to a dark grey plate with two forks on it. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have a soft spot for recipes where the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting while filling the kitchen with incredible aromas. This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe is my go-to cozy dinner that effortlessly impresses without needing tons of hands-on time.

Easy Hands-Off Cooking: Brown the meatballs, toss everything into the slow cooker, and come back to a luscious, ready-to-eat meal.
Rich, Creamy Tuscan Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, and spinach make every bite vibrant and satisfying.
Perfect Weeknight Solution: The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce for a one-pot dish that’s both hearty and fuss-free.
Customizable and Family-Friendly: You can swap ground chicken with turkey or beef, and adjust seasoning for your preferred heat or herbs.

This close-up image shows a creamy dish with several browned meatballs scattered throughout. Around the meatballs are soft, yellow gnocchi pieces, all covered in a light orange creamy sauce speckled with herbs and black pepper. Bright green spinach leaves add a fresh touch, some partially soaked in the sauce. Small pieces of sun-dried, reddish tomatoes are mixed in, giving spots of deeper color against the creamy base. The textures show a mix of smooth sauce, tender gnocchi, and firm, seared meatballs. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this dish lies in how these simple ingredients come together to form a comforting, creamy sauce with tender meatballs and pillowy gnocchi. When shopping, I always look for fresh garlic and quality Parmesan, which really elevate the flavors.

Flat lay of ground chicken in a neat mound, a small white ceramic bowl of plain breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with sun-dried tomato oil showing a rich reddish hue, half a fresh yellow onion finely diced on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of white cooking wine, two cups fresh bright green spinach leaves on a white ceramic plate, half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes with vibrant deep red color on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, and a portion of soft, pillowy gnocchi pasta arranged loosely on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Ground chicken: Light but juicy, it absorbs the Tuscan seasonings beautifully.
Breadcrumbs: They bind the meatballs, keeping them tender yet firm.
Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic offers a fragrant, authentic bite that's hard to beat.
Egg: Holds the meatballs together without making them dense.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic Tuscan touch.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning throughout.
Sun-dried tomato oil: For searing the meatballs, infusing them with a lovely tomato richness.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and melds with the sauce as it cooks.
White wine: I use cooking wine but feel free to swap with dry white wine for more brightness.
Chicken broth: The base of the sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Shelf-stable gnocchi: Cooks up tender in the sauce without sticking together.
Heavy cream: Added near the end for that ultra-creamy finish.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring tangy bursts of flavor that complement the creamy sauce.
Spinach: For color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast that brightens the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often switch up the protein depending on what’s in the fridge or what my family prefers. Feel free to customize the herbs or add a little spice to make this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe truly your own.

Variation: I’ve tried ground turkey when I wanted a lighter version, and it worked wonderfully—just remember to watch cooking times so the meatballs stay tender.
Veggie Boost: Adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers into the slow cooker adds texture and extra nutrition.
Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the meatball mix or sauce turns up the heat delightfully.
Make it Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free breadcrumbs and gnocchi makes this dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends without skimping on flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I like to use my clean hands here—it helps me mix everything gently without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs nice and tender. Then, roll into small meatballs about 1½ tablespoons each. Using a cookie scoop makes this faster and keeps the sizes consistent so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs for Extra Flavor

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully browned. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through—slow cooking will finish the job. This browning step adds incredible depth and texture that you won’t get by skipping it.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Flavor

Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker along with diced onion, garlic, white wine, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 20 minutes using the Magnifique Clay Pot Oven method, or 3 hours on a standard slow cooker. I use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 160°F—that guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi, Cream & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the gnocchi, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pop the lid back on and cook until the gnocchi is soft and tender—about 10-20 minutes on the Pasta setting of the Magnifique Clay Pot Oven, or 20 minutes on high in a regular slow cooker. This step is crucial: adding the gnocchi only now prevents it from getting mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce. Then, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes so the sauce can thicken beautifully. This resting step is a game changer—it thickens the sauce without needing extra cream or flour.

Top Tip

From multiple test runs, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee success with this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe. Taking these simple steps will seriously up your dinner game!

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Mixing just until combined keeps your meatballs tender, making each bite perfectly juicy.
Sear Before Slow Cooking: Skipping this step means missing out on that rich, caramelized flavor—don’t rush this part!
Add Gnocchi at the Right Time: If you add gnocchi too early, it turns mushy. Patiently wait until meatballs are done.
Rest the Dish Before Serving: Letting it sit thickens the sauce naturally and lets all the flavors meld.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Tuscan chicken meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves if I have some on hand—it adds that fresh, herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted asparagus makes a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs and gnocchi.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this dish in individual mini cocottes or shallow bowls, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a small scattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch. It looks rustic and inviting—guaranteed to impress your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for amazing next-day meals.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite well. I recommend freezing the meatballs and sauce without the gnocchi, then adding fresh gnocchi when reheating to keep things from getting mushy. Freeze in portions to make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of shaping them fresh?

While you can use frozen chicken meatballs, this recipe is best when you shape and sear the meatballs fresh to get that perfect texture and flavor. Frozen ones might not absorb the sauce as well.

What’s the best way to prevent gnocchi from getting mushy?

Add the gnocchi only after the meatballs are fully cooked, then cook them just until tender. Adding it too early leads to overcooked, mushy gnocchi since it cooks quickly. Use shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen gnocchi according to your preference, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free gnocchi and make sure your broth and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy this flavorful meal without worry.

What size meatballs work best?

I recommend about 1½ tablespoon-sized meatballs (or a #60 cookie scoop). This size cooks evenly and fits nicely with the gnocchi in the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside—comforting, creamy, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whenever I make it, friends and family ask for seconds, and I’m happy to deliver. You’ll love how everything melds together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try—you deserve a delicious, stress-free meal!