There’s something about slow cooker meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe is one of those comforting dishes that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with savory, Tuscan-inspired flavors that make every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, since everything cooks low and slow, the flavors have time to develop into something truly magical.

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is that it requires minimal effort. The meatballs are baked for just a short time before being tossed into the slow cooker with a creamy Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Toward the end, pillowy gnocchi and fresh spinach are added to complete the dish. It’s hearty, filling, and practically made for cozy nights in.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. It works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual weekend dinner with friends and family. It’s a one-pot meal that eliminates the need for multiple side dishes, but it still feels indulgent and special. The tender, juicy meatballs soak up all that creamy sauce, while the gnocchi adds a perfect bite of comfort.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this one’s for you. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together. And trust me—leftovers taste even better the next day!

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

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. From its rich flavor to its simple, hands-off preparation, here’s why you need to make this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi ASAP.

It’s Easy to Make: The slow cooker does most of the work for you. After a quick prep of the meatballs, everything is tossed into the crockpot, and you can walk away until it’s ready.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs creates a deliciously bold and comforting sauce.
Creamy & Comforting: If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, this one will be right up your alley. The sauce coats every bite, making it ultra-satisfying.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The meatballs are mild yet flavorful, and the gnocchi makes it fun to eat.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors develop even more over time, making this an excellent make-ahead meal. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Great for Special Occasions: While it’s an easy recipe, it still feels a little fancy. It’s great for date nights, dinner parties, or holidays when you want something special without too much effort.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it also has some nutritional benefits that make it a balanced meal.

Lean Protein: Ground chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
Healthy Fats: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese provide healthy fats that are good for heart health.
Iron & Fiber: Spinach is loaded with iron, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense addition to this dish.
Calcium & Bone Health: Parmesan and cream add calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
Slow-Digesting Carbs: Gnocchi provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, giving you energy while keeping you satisfied.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes (high)
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 480
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 40g
Fats: 22g

Ingredients List

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1 egg
½ cup bread crumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup milk
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce & Cooking:

1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 package gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine egg, bread crumbs, onion, 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, milk, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Add the ground chicken and gently mix with your hands until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the meatballs: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 20 small meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
Bake the meatballs: Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked—just firm enough to hold their shape.
Transfer to the slow cooker: Add the partially baked meatballs to the crockpot.
Prepare the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Slow cook the dish: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
Add the gnocchi & spinach: In the last 20 minutes, add the gnocchi and stir. Let cook until the gnocchi is tender.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach just before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
Over Mashed Potatoes: A great alternative to gnocchi.
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

Pairing Suggestions

Drink Pairing: Try a refreshing lemonade or a light herbal tea.
Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meatballs: This makes them dense and tough.
Skipping the baking step: Helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Adding gnocchi too early: It will become mushy if overcooked.

Pro Tips

Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture.
Sear the meatballs for extra flavor.
Add extra cheese if you want it even creamier.

Variations and Substitutions

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you prefer a different protein, swap the ground chicken for turkey, beef, or even ground lamb for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or make a mixture of mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. If you’re avoiding dairy, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Gnocchi can also be swapped out for cooked pasta, rice, or even roasted potatoes for a different take on this comforting dish. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, low-carb, or spicy version, this recipe is easy to tweak while still keeping its creamy, savory essence.

How to Make This Dish in an Instant Pot

If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a fantastic way to speed up the cooking process without losing flavor. Start by using the sauté function to lightly brown the meatballs, which enhances their texture and deepens their taste. Once browned, remove them and deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth to loosen any browned bits. Add the remaining broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings, then return the meatballs to the pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes, followed by a quick release. Switch to the sauté function, stir in the gnocchi, and let them cook for 3–5 minutes until tender. Finally, mix in the spinach and Parmesan, letting the residual heat melt everything into a creamy, flavorful dish. With this method, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?
Yes, but fresh homemade meatballs taste much better.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or beef works well.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook the sauce on the stovetop and simmer the meatballs for 30 minutes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the perfect meal for busy days. Try it out and let me know how it turns out!