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; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp sundried tomato oil; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup white wine (cooking wine or fresh); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 12 oz gnocchi (shelf stable, fresh, or frozen); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes; 2 cups spinach; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Imagine tender chicken meatballs swimming in a creamy, garlicky sauce with pillowy gnocchi — that's exactly what this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe delivers. It's one of those meals that fills your home with amazing aromas and warms your soul, perfect for busy days when you want comfort without the fuss.

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

I’ve made this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe more times than I can count because it’s just so reliably delicious and fuss-free. That creamy tomato-scented sauce combined with juicy meatballs and soft gnocchi? It’s comfort food done right.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry, which makes this perfect for last-minute dinners.
One-Pot Cooking: This slow cooker recipe means minimal cleanup — just throw everything in and come back to a full meal.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The mix of sundried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan gives the sauce a luxurious depth without being heavy.
Customizable: Easily swap ground chicken for turkey or beef, or add more veggies to suit your tastes.

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 component in this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the juicy ground chicken meatballs to the creamy sauce enriched by Parmesan and cream, everything works in beautiful harmony.

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 creates light yet flavorful meatballs that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs so they stay tender and don't fall apart during cooking.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness to the meatballs and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must here to bring that lovely aromatic punch.
Egg: Binds the meatball mix to keep everything together while cooking.
Italian seasoning & onion powder: Infuse classic Tuscan flavors without overpowering the chicken.
Sun-dried tomato oil: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely richness when searing the meatballs.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the slow cooker.
White wine: A splash brightens the sauce and helps deglaze those tasty browned bits from searing.
Chicken broth: The savory base that combines everything together.
Shelf-stable gnocchi: Convenient, stores well, and cooks right in the sauce to absorb every bit of flavor.
Heavy cream: Added late for creamy richness without curdling in the slow cooker.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide bursts of tangy sweetness that balance the savory components.
Fresh spinach: Added at the end for color, nutrition, and a bit of fresh texture.

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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 mixing things up a bit with this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to tweak it—this recipe is super adaptable and forgiving.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground turkey for chicken when I want a slightly more robust flavor, and it works beautifully.
Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless version, try swapping meatballs for hearty sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant chunks.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when searing meatballs for a gentle kick. I do this when I want a little warmth without overpowering the Tuscan flavors.
Greens Upgrade: I sometimes substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach when I have it around—just steam them slightly before adding so they wilt nicely.

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

Step 1: Make and Sear Flavorful Meatballs

Start by combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I find using clean hands works best for mixing gently—don’t overwork the meat or it can get tough. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1½ tablespoons each. Heat sundried tomato oil in a pan and sear the meatballs until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds so much flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy. You don’t need to cook them all the way here since they’ll finish in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seared meatballs into your slow cooker along with diced yellow onion, minced garlic, white wine, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir, cover, and cook on high for about 20 minutes if you’re using a Magnifique Clay Pot Oven, or 3 hours on a standard slow cooker. The goal is for the meatballs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F—safe and perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Cream

After the meatballs are done, stir in shelf-stable gnocchi, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pop the lid back on and cook for another 10-20 minutes (Pasta setting on the Clay Pot Oven or slow cook on a traditional slow cooker). This step softens gnocchi and introduces creaminess without curdling the sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan, then cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. The spinach wilts gently and the sauce thickens up nicely. This resting time really brings everything together.

Top Tip

Through making this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make it shine. These little insights can save you time and improve your results.

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Handle the chicken mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender—not dense.
Sear Meatballs in Batches: Crowding the pan steams the meat instead of browning it. Patience here really pays off.
Add Cream at the End: Adding heavy cream just before the final cook prevents curdling and preserves a smooth sauce.
Use Sundried Tomato Oil for Searing: It enhances that classic Tuscan flavor right from the start without extra steps.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish off with a generous sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves if I happen to have some on hand. It adds a fresh pop that brightens the rich sauce beautifully. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top is a nice touch too.

Side Dishes

Since the dish is pretty hearty, I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. A crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this recipe in individual ramekins topped with a little extra Parmesan and a sprig of rosemary. It makes for a pretty presentation and feels a bit fancy, even though the recipe is so easy to make.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers before with decent results; just make sure to cool the dish completely and pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of broth or cream prevents the sauce from thickening too much or sticking to the pan. Avoid microwaving if possible, as gnocchi can turn gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Frozen or fresh gnocchi works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cook time slightly—fresh gnocchi cooks faster, so keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook and get mushy.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the meatballs in the sauce over medium-low heat. Brown the meatballs first, then cook gently in broth with seasoning until done. Add gnocchi and cream at the end to finish.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from turning mushy?

The key is to add the gnocchi only near the end of the cooking process and cook it just until it’s tender, usually 10-20 minutes. Adding it too early or cooking too long breaks it down and creates mush.

Can I prepare meatballs in advance?

Yes! You can make and sear the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. When ready to cook, just add everything to the slow cooker as directed. It’s a great time-saver on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe holds a special spot on my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s just so consistently good and stress-free. I hope you find it as comforting and satisfying as I do — perfect for cozy nights in when you want a warming hug on a plate. Grab your slow cooker and give it a try; I promise it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals.