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Savory and comforting slow cooker Tuscan meatballs with gnocchi on a plate.
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

A low-point Italian-inspired one-pot dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken breast 450 g
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs 50 g
  • 1 small egg
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 25 g
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oil for greasing

For the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi:

  • Prepared chicken meatballs
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (50 g)
  • 3 cups chicken broth 720 ml
  • ½ lb potato gnocchi 225 g
  • 4 cups fresh spinach 120 g
  • 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt 250 g
  • 1 medium onion diced (150 g)
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional (25 g)
  • 1 tsp oil for sautéing the onion

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken breast, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should make approximately 18-20 meatballs.
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil, then add the meatballs. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through. Alternatively, if you don’t have an air fryer, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Step 2: Assemble the Dish in the Slow Cooker
  • Set your slow cooker to the high setting.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of oil to a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened and translucent. Add the cooked onion to the slow cooker.
  • Layer the browned meatballs at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed onion, gnocchi, a half of spinach leaves, and chicken broth.
  • Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese (optional) over the top. Continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  • Step 3: Finish with Yogurt and Fresh Spinach
  • Once the slow cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker.
  • Stir in the Greek yogurt to give the sauce a creamy texture. Add the remaining fresh spinach, which will wilt from the residual heat, giving the dish a bright pop of color.
  • Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
  • Ladle the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi into bowls, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

6 Points per serving. 

Nutrition

Serving: 513g | Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.8g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1125mg | Potassium: 1095mg | Fiber: 4.6g | Sugar: 8.9g | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 2.8mg