Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chicken or turkey
preferably dark meat
- 1 c. panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
plus more
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 c. drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
finely chopped, divided, plus 2 tbsp. tomato oil 
- 1 1/2 oz. Parmesan
finely grated, divided, plus more for serving, about 3/4 c.
- 1/2 small yellow onion
finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
finely chopped
- 1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 c. dry white wine
- 1 package gnocchi
17.5-oz.
- 3 c. packed baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
Directions
- 1
In a medium bowl, using your hands, combine chicken, panko, egg, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, garlic powder, 1/2 cup tomatoes, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Form mixture into 18 (about 1") meatballs.
- 2
In a slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, broth, wine, and tomato oil; season with salt. Nestle in meatballs. Cover and cook on high until meatballs are cooked through, about 4 hours.
- 3
Arrange a rack in upper third of oven; heat broiler. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to a foil-lined baking sheet.
- 4
Add gnocchi and remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes to slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high until gnocchi is tender, about 20 minutes.
- 5
Meanwhile, broil meatballs, watching carefully and turning halfway through, until golden brown in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.
- 6
Stir spinach, cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan into slow cooker. Return meatballs to slow cooker. Cover and cook until spinach wilts, about 5 minutes more.
- 7
Divide gnocchi and meatballs among bowls. Top with more Parmesan.
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, deeply flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi delivers tender, savory meatballs bathed in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all with minimal effort.
This recipe truly shines by leveraging the slow cooker to create exceptionally tender chicken meatballs infused with aromatic Italian seasoning and garlic. The magic happens with the rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, which develops incredible depth as it simmers, perfectly complementing the pillowy gnocchi.
Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly tender chicken meatball, infused with the savory notes of Parmesan and fragrant Italian seasoning. Each bite is coated in a velvety, tangy, and slightly sweet sun-dried tomato sauce, brightened by the fresh baby spinach and made utterly comforting by the soft, chewy gnocchi. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and robust, inviting Italian-inspired flavors that will warm you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
Customization & Variations
While ground chicken is specified, you can certainly use ground turkey, preferably dark meat, for equally flavorful and moist meatballs. For those who love a sharper cheese, an aged Pecorino Romano could offer a delightful twist when swapped for some of the Parmesan. If you're out of dry white wine, an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth can be used in the sauce, though it might subtly alter its characteristic depth.
This hearty and inviting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, or when you're hosting friends and want a delicious meal that doesn't require constant attention. Serve with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to ensure you don't miss a single drop of the exquisite creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.