Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi: A Comforting Delicacy

Dive into the heart of Italian comfort food with our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi: A Comforting Delicacy. This dish brings the rustic flavors of Tuscany right into your home, offering a tender, flavorful embrace with every bite. Juicy chicken meatballs, bathed in a rich tomato sauce and served over soft, pillowy gnocchi, create a symphony of textures and tastes that comfort the soul. Perfect for busy days or when you crave the warmth of a home-cooked meal without the fuss, this slow cooker recipe promises to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.

Preparation and Cooking Times

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
Total Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes (for high setting)

Servings and Serving Size

Servings: 6
Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce and gnocchi

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 890mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

450g (1 lb) ground chicken
50g (1.75 oz) breadcrumbs
50g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve:

500g (17.6 oz) gnocchi, cooked according to package instructions
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Detailed Method of Preparation

In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In another bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cooked gnocchi to the slow cooker, gently stirring to coat with the sauce.
Serve the meatballs and gnocchi garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Culinary Success

For a lighter version, substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey.
If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
To ensure even cooking, try not to overcrowd the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them overnight before cooking.

Can I freeze this dish?

The cooked meatballs and sauce freeze well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding the cooked gnocchi just before serving.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft?

Add the cooked gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture.

As you relish the last spoonful of the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi, let the rich flavors and tender textures linger, reminding you of the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal. This dish, a testament to the power of slow cooking and the beauty of Italian cuisine, promises to bring comfort and joy to your table, making every meal a cherished moment. May the ease and delight of this comforting delicacy inspire you to explore more culinary wonders, one slow-cooked meal at a time.