Name: Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489381H49M38S
Total time: PT-489381H49M38S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped, divided; 2 tbsp. tomato oil (from sun-dried tomatoes); 1 1/2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 3/4 cup), 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; 1 (17.5-oz.) package gnocchi; 3 cups packed baby spinach leaves; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 77 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with cozy Italian flavors but want to save time on active cooking, you’re going to adore this Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe. This dish is the perfect blend of tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy spinach, finishing off with pillowy gnocchi—comfort food that practically makes itself. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to dinner when you want something hearty without the fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can relax while dinner simmers to perfection.
Flavor-Packed Meatballs: The sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add layers of deep, savory flavor that everyone raves about.
Creamy Comfort: Adding spinach and cream gives the sauce a velvety texture that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
Family Favorite: My entire crew goes crazy for this — great for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Close-up of a creamy dish showing browned meatballs and yellow gnocchi pieces in a thick light orange sauce, with small green spinach leaves scattered throughout. A silver ladle holds one meatball and several gnocchi, sitting in the sauce that has a smooth and slightly shiny texture. The meatballs have a browned surface with some darker spots. The spinach leaves add a fresh green color contrast to the creamy sauce and soft gnocchi. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi, Italian chicken meatball recipes, easy slow cooker Italian dinners, Tuscan chicken and gnocchi, healthy chicken meatball recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in making this dish a total crowd-pleaser. From the tender ground chicken to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy finish, these components work beautifully to create an easy yet impressive dinner.

Flat lay of ground dark meat chicken in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small bowl of panko bread crumbs, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of garlic powder, finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes in a white bowl, a small white bowl of golden tomato oil, finely grated Parmesan cheese in a white bowl, half a small yellow onion roughly chopped on the side, four whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a portion of uncooked gnocchi pasta, a bunch of fresh baby spinach leaves arranged neatly, and a small white bowl filled with heavy cream, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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 - Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi, Italian chicken meatball recipes, easy slow cooker Italian dinners, Tuscan chicken and gnocchi, healthy chicken meatball recipes

Ground chicken or turkey: I prefer dark meat chicken—it’s juicier and adds more flavor to the meatballs.
Panko bread crumbs: Gives the meatballs a light texture without weighing them down.
Egg: Acts as the binder keeping those meatballs perfectly together.
Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that bring that Tuscan vibe to your plate.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skimp on this one!
Black pepper and garlic powder: Really round out the savory profile.
Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): These add an intensely rich, slightly tangy sweetness—use both the chopped tomatoes and the flavored oil.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that nutty, salty punch.
Yellow onion and garlic: The aromatic base that simmers into the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful but not too salty.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth—a little trick I love for sauces.
Gnocchi: The soft potato dumplings soak up all that sauce—definitely don’t skip these!
Baby spinach leaves: Tossed in at the end for a fresh burst of color and nutrients.
Heavy cream: For that rich and dreamy finish everyone will adore.

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.

Variations

I love that this recipe is super versatile. You can swap out a few ingredients here and there depending on your cravings or dietary needs, making it your own. Here are some ways I’ve tweaked it in my kitchen.

Meat Swap: Tried using ground turkey breast for a leaner option—still juicy if you don’t overmix the meatballs.
Veggie Boost: Adding chopped mushrooms or zucchini into the sauce amps up the veggie content without stealing flavor.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy finish.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the meatball mix for a touch of heat.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape Your Meatballs

Start by combining ground chicken, panko, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, half the sun-dried tomatoes, and half the Parmesan in a medium bowl. I like to use my hands for this—it’s the easiest way to get everything evenly mixed without overworking the meat. Then, roll the mixture into 18 roughly 1-inch meatballs. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more panko; too dry, add a splash of broth.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker with Aromatics and Meatballs

In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, white wine, and the 2 tablespoons of tomato oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar. Season with a pinch of salt to bring out all those wonderful flavors. Nestle the meatballs gently into the liquid — arranging so they’re mostly covered but not too crowded. Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours. I find this timing works perfectly so the meatballs stay tender and soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 3: Broil the Meatballs for a Golden Finish

While the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, preheat your oven broiler and arrange a rack in the upper third. When the meatballs are cooked, transfer them carefully onto a foil-lined baking sheet using a slotted spoon. Broil them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden brown and a little crispy on the outside. This extra step adds that irresistible texture contrast I absolutely love.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Finish the Sauce

Next, add the gnocchi and remaining sun-dried tomatoes directly into the slow cooker and stir to combine everything. Cover and cook on high for about 20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender—you’ll find that it absorbs the sauce beautifully. Then stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and the last of the Parmesan. Return the browned meatballs to the slow cooker, cover, and cook just until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes more. This layering of ingredients is what makes this dish so luxurious and comforting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish out the tender gnocchi and meatballs into warm bowls, and don’t be shy with extra Parmesan on top. The creamy sauce clinging to the gnocchi, paired with the savory meatballs, makes every bite pure joy.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender, not dense.
Use the Tomato Oil: The oil from sun-dried tomatoes adds a rich depth—make sure to use it in the slow cooker base.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Meatballs can brown quickly, so don’t walk away during broiling.
Add Gnocchi Last: They cook quickly and absorb too much liquid if added too early—trust me, timing matters here.

How to Serve Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

The dish shows five browned meatballs placed on top of a creamy light brown sauce mixed with soft, yellow gnocchi. The gnocchi pieces are plump and coated well with the sauce, which has small green leafy spinach pieces scattered between them. The meatballs are textured with a golden-brown crust, and one of them is cut open, revealing the inside, with a fork resting in it. The dish is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface, and a little grated parmesan is sprinkled on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi, Italian chicken meatball recipes, easy slow cooker Italian dinners, Tuscan chicken and gnocchi, healthy chicken meatball recipes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan on top, maybe a little chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil finishes it perfectly, giving an extra glossy sheen and richness.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is also a great option if you want to keep it classic and carb-a-licious!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the meatballs and gnocchi family-style in a large, rustic ceramic bowl surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It makes the meal feel extra warm and inviting—like a real Tuscan feast. You could even pass around a big sprinkle of Parmesan at the table for everyone to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let everything cool completely before refrigerating to keep the sauce fresh and prevent it from separating.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen both the meatballs alone and the full cooked dish (without the cream and spinach, which I add later after thawing). Just freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the luscious texture. Microwave works well too—just cover and zap in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground beef or even a mix of beef and pork can be used if you prefer a richer meatball. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may shift slightly, but the cooking method stays the same.
Do I have to broil the meatballs?

Broiling is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely caramelized texture and flavor contrast to the tender meatballs that slow cooking alone can’t deliver.
Can I prepare this recipe without alcohol?

Yes! Simply substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for sweetness. This keeps the sauce flavorful without the alcohol.
Is it better to cook the gnocchi separately?

I prefer cooking the gnocchi directly in the slow cooker near the end to soak up all those delicious flavors, but if you want a firmer texture, you can cook it separately and toss it in just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how little effort it takes for such amazing flavor and texture, and honestly, the way the slow cooker melds all these ingredients together is magic. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want an easy dinner that impresses, give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, just like it did in mine.