Introduction
Are you looking for a dinner that not only satisfies your hunger, but soothes your heart? And you’ve come to the right place! Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the answer to all your questions. This dish is a great combination of dishes including meaty chicken, perfectly cooked gnocchi, creamy and savory sauce inspired by Tuscan flavors Fresh and savory ingredients like garlic, herbs , the sun dried tomatoes make this dish a great comfort food that you can enjoy anytime .
Not only will your family and friends love this recipe, but you will love it yourself. The combination of tender chicken in a savory sauce and crunchy gnocchi makes for a dinner that is not only delicious, but also extremely relaxing.
What is Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi?
Tuscany Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish prepared by combining juicy and juicy chicken meatballs with soft and delicate gnocchi. The taste of these meatballs is extremely deep and rich, as they are decorated with a mixture of Tuscan spices and herbs. On the other hand, the texture of gnocchi is extremely soothing and relaxing, which is best matched with meatballs. This dish is finalized by a rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, which adds another luxurious layer to its taste, making it even more delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 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
Tuscan Sauce and Gnocchi
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- First, preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius, or 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 15 inch x 10 inch x 1 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Then mix these ingredients in a bowl. Potatoes, bread crumbs, onions, two tablespoons dried tomatoes, milk, one teaspoon Parmesan cheese, garlic, half teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Then add the chicken and mix well. Now divide this mixture into 20 meatballs of 1.1/2 inch diameter and place in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly browned and hardened. However, at this time it is not necessary to cook it completely.
- Now put these meatballs in a slow cooker with a capacity of about 3.1/2 to 4 quarts. Add half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a third cup of dried tomatoes, and half a cup of broth, cream and wine. Cover and cook for 6 hours at low temperature or 3 hours at high temperature.
- If you are using low temperature, switch to high temperature again. Now add the gnocchi and cover and wait for 20 minutes.
- Now mix spinach and parmesan cheese in it. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Use quality ingredients: Use organic, off-the-shelf chicken and fresh, house-made gnocchi for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture: Handle the meatballs gently when combining them to achieve a soft, moist result.
- The meatballs are browned before being added to the sauce: this step adds a new flavor to the dish.
- Slice the dish and serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Health Benefits
The flavor might sound rich and indulgent, but in all seriousness, the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi can indeed be a healthy option if using lean ground chicken and whole grain gnocchi. This is because chicken is full of good lean protein for building tissues within the body, as well as repairing it. Gnocchi, which comes from potatoes, provides good carbohydrate energy to the body while also replenishing potassium to support heart health. In addition, the herbs and spices used in this recipe, including basil and oregano, are rich in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
This Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi dish is the perfect example of comfort eating, and it’s sure to become a favorite among the whole family. When the creaminess of the Tuscan sauce, the softness of the meatballs and the softness of the gnocchi come together, it makes for a delicious and sumptuous meal that no one can forget. Whether you want a cozy dinner for a normal day of the week or a special meal for guests, this recipe will always succeed in impressing you.
FAQ’s
In this dish, what can I use in place of chicken?
You can easily substitute grilled chicken or even vegetarian meat for the chicken in this recipe to match your meal of choice.
How long does it take to make Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi?
On average, Tuscan chicken with gnocchi takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish to prepare and cook.