Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi Recipe

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Cook Time: 195 minutes

Original Recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 1/4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup chopped dried tomatoes
• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, onion, 2 tablespoons dried tomatoes, milk, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the ground chicken to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them in the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until set and lightly browned. The meatballs don't need to be fully cooked at this stage.
6. Transfer the partially cooked meatballs to a 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker.
7. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, dry white wine, 1/3 cup chopped dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 3 hours.
8. If cooking on Low, switch to High after 3 hours. Add the gnocchi to the slow cooker and cover. Cook for an additional 20 minutes.
9. Stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 460
• Total Fat: 20g (26% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (45% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 165mg (55% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 610mg (27% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g (14% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
• Protein: 29g (59% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 15mg (16% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 165mg (13% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1032mg (22% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins of Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

The dish Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi blends classic Italian comfort food with modern convenience. Its roots trace back to Tuscany, a region in central Italy renowned for its rustic cuisine emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Traditional Tuscan recipes favor simple, hearty dishes prepared with high-quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Chicken, though less common than beef or pork in traditional meatballs, is used here for a lighter, more delicate flavor. Gnocchi, small potato dumplings, have been a staple in Italian kitchens for centuries, originally serving as an affordable way to turn humble potatoes into a filling meal.

Regional Characteristics

Tuscany is known for robust yet straightforward flavors. Tuscan cuisine relies heavily on olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and aged cheeses. This recipe captures that essence with Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and dried tomatoes enriching the slow-cooked sauce. The combination of meatballs and gnocchi reflects a central Italian approach: pairing protein with tender, pillowy starch for a comforting and satisfying plate. Unlike northern Italian cuisine, which often emphasizes cream-heavy sauces, Tuscan dishes balance richness with the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While meatballs appear across Italian cuisine, Tuscan chicken meatballs differ in several ways. Unlike classic Italian beef or pork meatballs, chicken provides a lighter, leaner option. The slow cooker method sets this recipe apart, allowing the meatballs to remain tender while soaking in a rich, tomato-cream sauce. Additionally, incorporating gnocchi directly into the dish distinguishes it from standard pasta and meatball combinations. The use of dried tomatoes and white wine adds a subtle tang and depth, making it uniquely Tuscan compared to generic Italian-American meatball dishes.

Where Its Typically Served

This comforting dish is usually served as a main course for family dinners or casual gatherings. In Tuscany, it might appear on a Sunday lunch table, paired with a crisp white wine and a simple green salad. Outside Italy, its popular in homes and bistros seeking an authentic Italian experience without the intensive preparation of traditional stovetop cooking. The slow cooker approach makes it ideal for busy households, providing a warm, hearty meal with minimal active cooking time.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of chicken meatballs with gnocchi is a modern adaptation; traditionally, gnocchi would be served with lighter sauces or butter, not always with meat.
• Slow cooking allows flavors to meld gradually, producing a sauce richer than quick stovetop versions.
• Tuscanys culinary identity emphasizes cucina povera, or peasant cooking, where simple ingredients like potatoes, herbs, and locally raised chicken create satisfying dishes.
• Dried tomatoes, a staple in this recipe, were historically a preservation method before refrigeration, giving dishes concentrated sweetness and umami.
• Parmesan cheese, sprinkled at the end, not only enhances flavor but also reflects Italys tradition of finishing dishes with quality cheese rather than heavy sauces.

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