Name: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Italian
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 sun-dried tomato oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup white wine (cooking 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 Parmesan cheese, grated

There’s something irresistible about a comforting, slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas. This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe is exactly that—an effortless, soul-satisfying dish that blends creamy richness with the hearty flavors of Tuscany, perfect for those evenings when you want something special without standing over the stove.

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’m genuinely excited about this recipe because it combines convenience and incredible flavor in one slow cooker pot. What I love most is how you can set it and almost forget it, then come back to this luscious, comforting meal that tastes like hours of loving effort went into it.

Simplicity meets flavor: Minimal hands-on time with maximum taste thanks to slow cooking and fresh ingredients.
Light but hearty: Ground chicken keeps it lighter than traditional beef, but with all the satisfaction you want in a meatball dish.
The magic of gnocchi: Those pillowy bites soak up the creamy Tuscan sauce beautifully, making every forkful pure comfort.
Perfect for busy days: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this recipe lets you enjoy a rich, hearty meal with little fuss.

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

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. The combination of fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes brings that signature Tuscan flair, while simple pantry staples keep it accessible.

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: A lean protein that’s tender and mild, serving as a great base for deeply flavored meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: They add structure and moisture, so your meatballs stay juicy, not dense.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce for that luxurious mouthfeel.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic punches up the savory notes—trust me, it’s worth the extra prep over jarred.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that deliver all those classic Italian aromas we love.
Sun-dried tomato oil: This is your secret to searing meatballs with subtle sweetness and depth.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture that soften up beautifully in the sauce.
White wine: Cooking wine or fresh, it brightens the sauce with a bit of acidity and complexity.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base for your sauce and keeps everything moist.
Gnocchi: These tender, potato-based dumplings absorb the creamy sauce and provide a fun textural contrast.
Heavy cream: Added near the end to keep it silky and prevent curdling during slow cooking.
Spinach: A fresh, vibrant addition that adds color and a little boost of greens.

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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 love making this recipe my own by swapping a few ingredients or adding something seasonal. The recipe is forgiving, so you have a lot of room to play without losing that Tuscan charm.

Meat swap: I sometimes use ground turkey when I want an even lighter version, and it still turns out perfectly tender.
Greens upgrade: Swap spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomato pesto for an extra layer of flavor when tomatoes are in season.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the sauce a wonderful kick—great if you like things a little spicy.

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

Step 1: Mix and Form Your Meatballs with Care

Start by tossing all your meatball ingredients (except the sun-dried tomato oil) into a mixing bowl. I use my hands—it helps me feel when everything is just combined without overmixing, which keeps the meatballs tender. Then, form them into small balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Using a cookie scoop makes for uniform meatballs, which means even cooking.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor and Color

Heat that sun-dried tomato oil in a medium pan—you’ll love the subtle richness it adds. Brown your meatballs on all sides for 3-4 minutes each batch. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; this step is all about locking in flavor and giving them a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Meatballs to Perfection

Pop your seared meatballs into the slow cooker along with diced yellow onion, garlic, white wine, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for about 20 minutes with a Magnifique Clay Pot Oven (or 3 hours in a standard slow cooker) until the meatballs reach 160°F inside. This slow cooking locks in juicy tenderness and lets those flavors meld beautifully.

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

Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in your gnocchi, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Then cook again—10-20 minutes on the pasta function of your Magnifique or slow cook for 20 minutes—to let the gnocchi soften and soak up that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Finally, fold in fresh spinach and parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts gently. Let your dish rest for 10-15 minutes so the sauce thickens to a perfect silky consistency before serving.

Top Tip

Making this recipe for the first time? Here are some tips I’ve learned from my own kitchen adventures that will help you nail it on your first try and every time after.

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Use gentle folding motions to combine ingredients—overworking develops the proteins and makes meatballs tough.
Sear in batches: Don’t crowd the pan when browning meatballs; this ensures they get a nice crust instead of steaming.
Deglaze for extra flavor: After searing, pour a splash of your white wine into the pan to scrape up those tasty browned bits. Pour this into the slow cooker for deeper sauce flavor.
Add cream at the right time: Don’t add heavy cream before slow cooking — wait until the end to keep it silky and prevent curdling.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish off the bowls with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. It adds that punch of fresh herbaceousness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. A pinch of red pepper flakes on the side is also a nice touch if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich, so I often serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is another easy go-to for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving the meatballs over creamy polenta instead of gnocchi or plating them in shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs. You can also try layering the meatballs over sautéed zucchini ribbons for a lighter, low-carb option that still wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I cozy up the stored dish in the slow cooker or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes very well! I like to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the gnocchi—gnocchi can get mushy if frozen and reheated. When ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over medium-low heat in a pan or the slow cooker to keep the cream from separating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up to that perfect silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen or fresh gnocchi instead of shelf stable?

Absolutely yes! Fresh or frozen gnocchi works wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy—fresh gnocchi cooks quicker, so keep an eye on them during the last stage.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, regular olive oil works just fine for searing the meatballs. You can also add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for that classic flavor.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Use the sauté function to brown the meatballs, then pressure cook the meatballs and sauce for about 10 minutes. Add the gnocchi and finish by cooking for 2-3 minutes on sauté until tender.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling in the slow cooker?

Great question! Add the heavy cream in the last 20 minutes of cooking, not at the start. Prolonged heat breaks down the cream and causes curdling, so slow cooker timing is key for that silky sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for how effortlessly it delivers comforting, rich flavors with minimal prep. I love how the slow cooker does most of the work, letting me focus on savoring each bite rather than slaving over the stove. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your go-to cozy meals for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Give it a try—you’re going to enjoy the heartwarming flavors as much as I do!