Craving a comforting yet sophisticated dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatball recipe with pillowy gnocchi is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Tender, flavorful chicken meatballs simmered in a rich Tuscan sauce, then tossed with fluffy gnocchi – it's a healthy and delicious dish the whole family will adore. This recipe is packed with fresh herbs and bursting with authentic Italian flavors, making it one of the best recipes for a truly satisfying homemade meal. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Tuscan Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get started with the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Prepare the Tuscan Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cook the meatballs and gnocchi:
- Gently place the meatballs into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- While the meatballs are cooking, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Usually, this involves boiling until they float to the surface.
Finishing touches:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, gently stir the cooked gnocchi into the slow cooker. Toss to coat everything evenly in the delicious sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs and Sauce:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, resulting in tough meatballs.
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the gnocchi and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Make it ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding the gnocchi.
Variations:
- Spicy meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a spicier dish.
- Veggie meatballs: Substitute ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute for the ground chicken.
- Different pasta: Use your favorite pasta instead of gnocchi, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a healthy meal option, perfect for busy weeknights, and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!