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

There’s something incredibly cozy about a hearty, comforting dish that practically makes itself while you get on with your day. That’s exactly what makes the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe so special—juicy chicken meatballs, tender gnocchi, and a rich, creamy Tuscan-flavored sauce meld beautifully together with minimal hands-on time.

A white oval slow cooker filled with a creamy dish showing three layers: a light orange creamy sauce base, browned round meatballs scattered throughout, and yellow gnocchi mixed in. Bright green spinach leaves and bright red sun-dried tomatoes are spread evenly on top, adding bursts of color. A wooden spoon rests on the right side inside the cooker, slightly stirring the dish. The slow cooker is set on a white marbled surface with a wooden board in the background holding two small clear bowls, one with grated cheese and one with fresh spinach leaves. A small white bowl with red pepper flakes sits near a white plate holding metal forks in the upper left corner. 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 get excited every time I make this dish because it’s a perfect balance of simple ingredients combined into something so flavorful. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, especially when you want an easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so you can set it and forget it until dinnertime.
Flavor-Packed Meatballs: Ground chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan ensures each bite bursts with Tuscan charm.
Creamy, Comforting Sauce: Adding cream and spinach near the end gives it a fresh yet indulgent touch that everyone loves.
Versatile & Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer turkey or want to add extra veggies, this recipe adapts effortlessly.

This close-up image shows a creamy dish with 3 main layers: round browned meatballs with a slightly rough texture spread evenly throughout, oval yellow gnocchi pieces with a smooth surface nestled between the meatballs, and bright green wilted spinach leaves peeking out in different spots. The creamy sauce is light tan and thick, coating all the ingredients evenly and showing small black pepper specks. Bright red pieces of sun-dried tomatoes add contrast, scattered on top of and between the other layers. The entire dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe mixes some humble pantry staples with fresh ingredients to bring out those classic Tuscan flavors. Buying good-quality Parmesan and fresh garlic really elevates the dish without complicating prep.

Flat lay of fresh ground chicken in a small mound, a small bowl of plain breadcrumbs, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, one whole brown egg, a few dried green Italian seasoning leaves, a small heap of onion powder, a pinch of coarse salt, a pinch of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with sun-dried tomato oil, half a fresh yellow onion diced into small pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of white cooking wine, two cups fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small pile of sun-dried tomatoes, a white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, 12 oz fresh gnocchi dumplings, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh on a simple white ceramic background, 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: Lean but juicy—perfect for tender yet flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them moist; Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are a time-saver.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth and naturally thickens the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic powers up the savory base.
Egg: Acts as the glue to hold the meatballs together.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds that signature Tuscan vibe.
Onion powder: Enhances the meatballs’ flavor without extra chopping.
Salt & pepper: Basics that bring all the flavors into harmony.
Sun-dried tomato oil: Provides a rich, slightly tangy flavor and is perfect for searing the meatballs.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
White wine: Deglazes the pan and adds brightness to the simmering sauce.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that keeps everything moist and rich.
Gnocchi: Tender potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream: Added last to create a luscious, velvety sauce without curdling.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a sweet-tart pop to contrast the creamy sauce.
Spinach: Fresh greens sneak in some color and nutrients at the end.

📝

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

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to match your taste or what you have at home, making it your own personal comfort dish.

Variation: I’ve swapped ground chicken for turkey on busy weeks, and it still turns out juicy and delicious. You can also try beef if you want a more classic meatball flavor.

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

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, garlic, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I usually use my hands to gently mix everything—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so just stir until everything comes together well.

Step 2: Shape and Sear the Meatballs

Form the mixture into small, golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 1½ tablespoons each). I find using a cookie scoop keeps them uniform and saves time. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them through—just get that golden crust to lock in flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Transfer the seared meatballs to your slow cooker along with diced onions, garlic, white wine, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for about 20 minutes if you’re using the Magnifique Clay Pot Oven (my favorite for even cooking) or 3 hours on a standard slow cooker. Make sure the meatballs reach 160°F inside for safe eating.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Cream

Once the meatballs are perfectly cooked, add the gnocchi, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker. If you have a Clay Pot Oven, use the Pasta setting to cook for about 10-20 minutes; otherwise, keep it on the slow cook setting for another 20 minutes. This step warms the gnocchi and blends all the flavors into a comforting sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Parmesan

Add fresh spinach and parmesan cheese right at the end. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy finish. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes off heat so the sauce thickens slightly before serving.

Top Tip

Making this recipe for the first time (and many times after!) has taught me a few small but mighty tips worth sharing to make your experience foolproof and the dish extra delicious.

Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the meatballs before slow cooking locks in flavor and keeps them from falling apart.
Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a world of difference compared to jarred garlic—just takes a little extra time but worth it.
Add Cream Last: Adding the cream too early can cause it to curdle during long cooking. Save it for the final minutes.
Watch the Gnocchi Timing: Tossing in the gnocchi too early leads to mushy textures; wait until the meatballs are done.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Tuscan chicken meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping mine with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. It adds freshness and a pretty pop of color that makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This is a hearty one-pot meal on its own, but if I’m feeling fancy, I serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus for a nice contrast in texture. Crusty garlic bread always makes an appearance, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve the meatballs and gnocchi in small, shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a few crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. It's an impressive yet homey presentation that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just stir gently before reheating as the gnocchi may absorb some sauce.

Freezing

This meal freezes well in parts—I usually freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the gnocchi to avoid sogginess. When ready, thaw completely, reheat gently on the stove, and add fresh gnocchi or reheat frozen gnocchi separately.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop on low heat, stirring often to avoid sticking and to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch but it’s best to add a splash of broth or cream to freshen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can cook the meatballs and sauce in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, simmering gently until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens. Add gnocchi and cream near the end, cooking until gnocchi is tender.

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf stable?

Yes, frozen or fresh gnocchi can be used. Just adjust cooking time accordingly—frozen gnocchi will take a few extra minutes to cook through in the slow cooker.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker?

Searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker is key. It creates a firm crust which helps them hold together during cooking. Also, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender but stable.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer of your choice, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. The texture might vary slightly but it’s still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something warming and impressive, but also easy enough for a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell divine and fills everyone’s belly with satisfaction. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!