Name: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
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 sundried tomato oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup white wine (cooking wine or fresh); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 12 oz gnocchi, shelf stable; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup sundried tomatoes; 2 cups spinach; ½ cup Parmesan cheese

There’s something utterly comforting about creamy, savory dishes that simmer low and slow. This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe brings together tender chicken meatballs, pillowy gnocchi, and a flavorful sauce that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Trust me, it’s a soul-soothing meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

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 Gnocchi Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe has quickly become a go-to comfort food in my house. The ease of tossing everything into the slow cooker and coming back to a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal is a game changer—perfect for busy days or when you just want an effortless dinner.

Hands-off cooking: You just sear the meatballs, then let the slow cooker do all the work, making the dish nearly foolproof.
Flavor-packed: The blend of sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning adds bold, layered flavors that feel luxurious but are easy to achieve.
Comfort in every bite: Creamy sauce and silky gnocchi combined with tender chicken meatballs create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily switch up ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs without losing the essence of this dish.

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 recipe has a role to play. The ground chicken meatballs provide a light protein base that soaks up the delicious sauce. Gnocchi adds a pillowy texture that is the perfect vehicle for soaking up creamy and savory flavors. A handful of fresh spinach adds freshness and color, bringing balance to this rich dish.

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: Lean and tender, it makes light yet flavorful meatballs that cook nicely in the slow cooker.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them from falling apart during cooking. I recommend plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning for that extra flavor punch.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must—it adds that punch of flavor you can't beat.
Egg: Acts as a binder in the meatballs for perfect texture.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings Tuscan vibes to the dish.
Sun-dried tomato oil: I love using this oil to sear the meatballs, infusing them with richness right from the start.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks alongside the meatballs.
White wine: Deglazes the pan and adds complexity, making the sauce extra special.
Chicken broth: The base for the sauce, it keeps things flavorful and moist.
Shelf stable gnocchi: Convenient and quick to cook; it absorbs all those meaty, creamy flavors.
Heavy cream: Stirred in near the end to give the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring tangy sweetness and an extra layer of robustness.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

📝

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 sharing this recipe as a base because it’s so easy to tweak. I often swap ground turkey if I want a milder flavor or add some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different twist.

Make it spicy: I’ve added chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes before, and it gives the dish a fantastic kick without overpowering the Tuscan flavors.
Vegetarian-friendly: Swap the meatballs for roasted mushrooms or plant-based meatballs to keep the comforting sauce while making it meat-free.
Use fresh gnocchi: If you can find fresh gnocchi at the store, it makes the dish extra pillowy and fresh-tasting—just adjust cooking times since fresh gnocchi cooks faster.

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

Step 1: Mix and form your meatballs

Start by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently—don’t overwork it or your meatballs will be tough. I usually use my hands for this because it lets me feel when everything’s just combined. Then, form about 35-40 meatballs sized roughly to a tablespoon and a half. This means they cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Sear the meatballs for extra flavor

Heat the sundried tomato oil in a pan and brown those meatballs on both sides. Don’t skip this step! It locks in flavor and gives you beautiful caramelized notes. I like to do this in batches so the pan isn’t crowded. You don’t have to cook them all the way through here because the slow cooker will finish them off.

Step 3: Slow cook the magic

Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker, along with the diced onion, minced garlic, white wine, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for about 20 minutes if you’re using a clay pot oven, or around 3 hours on a standard slow cooker until the meatballs reach 160°F internally. This slow simmer lets all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add gnocchi and creamy goodness

Once the meatballs are done, stir in your gnocchi, sundried tomatoes, and heavy cream. Put the lid back on and cook until the gnocchi is tender, about 10-20 minutes depending on your cooker. I find that adding cream late prevents curdling and keeps your sauce silky smooth.

Step 5: Freshen it up and serve

Finally, stir in fresh spinach and parmesan cheese and let the spinach wilt right in the sauce. Then, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes so the sauce thickens and everything melds. Serve up generous bowls with extra parmesan on top. You’ll impress anyone you share this with, guaranteed.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I've learned a few tricks that really elevate it from good to incredible. These little tips will help you get the best texture and flavor every time, even if you’re new to slow cooking meatballs with gnocchi.

Don't overmix the meatball mixture: I can’t stress this enough—mix just until everything is combined to keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
Sear your meatballs first: Browning seals in flavor and creates those beautiful crusty bits that make the dish more exciting.
Add cream at the end: Pouring in heavy cream too early will cause it to curdle during slow cooking. Wait until the last 20 minutes to add it for a silky sauce.
Wait to add gnocchi: Tossing gnocchi in too early makes it mushy. Add it just before the final phase for perfect texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping each bowl with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. It adds that bright, fresh note that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top never hurt either!

Side Dishes

I usually serve this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted garlic asparagus. Crusty bread on the side is also a winner—it’s perfect for dipping into that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in rustic individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It feels so cozy and inviting! You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor—definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before storing, I like to let the dish cool to room temperature, which helps preserve the creamy texture when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice, and while the texture of the gnocchi softens a bit after thawing, it still tastes delicious. Freeze in portioned containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This way, the gnocchi doesn't dry out and stays creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well; just keep an eye on cooking time as it may be a few minutes less than shelf-stable gnocchi.

What if I want to skip the meatballs?

You can skip the meatballs and simply cook the sauce with gnocchi and vegetables for a vegetarian version. Consider adding beans or mushrooms for extra protein and texture.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Add the gnocchi toward the end of cooking, and don’t overcook it. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so timing is key to keeping it tender, not mushy.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can form and even sear the meatballs a day ahead, then refrigerate them. When ready to cook, add them to the slow cooker as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it combines ease with incredible flavor and comforting textures. It feels fancy without the fuss, which makes it perfect for weeknights or when you have guests but want to stay relaxed. Give it a try—you’ll feel like a kitchen pro and enjoy every savory bite.