Imagine walking into a room filled with the tantalizing scent of herbs and savory chicken pot pie recipe slow cooker chickpea tikka masala.

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter mingles with the aroma of Italian cuisine, evoking a sense of belonging and joy. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees to elevate any meal into something memorable, promising flavors that dance on your palate and aromas that invite everyone to the table. crockpot pierogi casserole.

There was that one time when I made these meatballs for my friends’ potluck. They vanished faster than I could say “gnocchi.” Everyone kept asking for the recipe while I feigned modesty — let’s be honest, I was secretly basking in my culinary glory.

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for tender meatballs without excess fat.

• Italian Seasoning: Use fresh herbs if possible; they elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated finely to blend seamlessly into meatballs, adding richness.

• Gnocchi: Opt for store-bought gnocchi; it cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Use quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor base in this sauce.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds color and nutrition; use baby spinach for tender leaves.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference; avoid powdered versions here.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds depth; use extra virgin for a fruity note.

• Onion: Sauté until translucent to build a sweet foundation for your sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Create Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic until aromatic but not browned—about one minute is perfect.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer sautéed onions and garlic into your slow cooker along with crushed tomatoes and spinach. Stir well to combine before adding your prepared meatballs gently on top.

Cook Low and Slow : Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully together while keeping meatballs tender.

Add Gnocchi Towards The End : About 30 minutes before serving on low or 15 minutes on high, stir in gnocchi; cover again until they float—this means they’re perfectly cooked!

Strongly consider serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before diving in. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this hearty meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results, start by browning the meatballs to lock in flavor, then place everything in the slow cooker. Allow it to simmer gently while the gnocchi cooks separately for that ideal texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap traditional Italian herbs for fresh basil or add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, ensuring the gnocchi remains soft.

During my first attempt at making these meatballs, my friends devoured them so quickly I barely got a bite! It’s always heartwarming to see everyone enjoying what you’ve cooked.

FAQ

What type of chicken should I use for Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs?

For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

Ground chicken or turkey works best for juicy meatballs without being too greasy.

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi cooks perfectly in the slow cooker without any additional prep time needed.

How long does it take to cook the meatballs in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender and flavorful.

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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi. This hearty dish combines tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by pillowy gnocchi and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this easy recipe will wrap you in warmth and satisfaction with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (16 oz) package store-bought gnocchi
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent; add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a slow cooker along with crushed tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir well.
4. Carefully place the meatball mixture on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are tender.
6. About 30 minutes before serving (on low) or 15 minutes before serving (on high), stir in gnocchi and cover until they float.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg