Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Introduction

Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken meatballs smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, paired with pillowy gnocchi that soaks up every bit of Tuscan-inspired flavor. You’re in the right place if you’re craving a rich and hearty meal that feels like an indulgence yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort dish, combining the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with a one-pan convenience that saves time without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this dish for the first time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

From the aromatic blend of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese to the irresistible creaminess of the garlic-infused sauce, every bite is a burst of Mediterranean goodness. Plus, with a few simple swaps, you can easily make this dish gluten-free or dairy-free to suit your preferences.

Let’s dive in and create a meal that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat!

Key Benefits

Why should you try this Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi recipe? Here are the top reasons why this dish is a must-make:

1. Rich, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor

This dish brings the best of Tuscan flavors together—juicy chicken meatballs, tender gnocchi, and a luscious garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce. Each bite is loaded with Mediterranean spices, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, delivering an unforgettable taste experience.

2. One-Pan Convenience

Say goodbye to complicated cleanups! This entire dish is made in just one skillet, allowing you to maximize flavor while minimizing dishes. It’s the perfect option for a stress-free weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

3. Restaurant-Quality at Home

If you love ordering creamy Italian pasta dishes at restaurants, you’ll be thrilled to know you can recreate that same gourmet experience at home. These chicken meatballs and gnocchi are just as delicious as a high-end Italian meal, but at a fraction of the cost!

4. Quick and Easy to Make

Busy week? No problem! This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

5. Customizable to Your Dietary Needs

This dish is incredibly versatile, so you can easily adapt it to your dietary preferences:

• Dairy-Free? Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free gnocchi and breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb? Skip the gnocchi and serve the creamy Tuscan meatballs over zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower.

6. Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers

This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them for a quick and satisfying meal that still retains its rich, creamy texture.

7. Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing

This is a dish the whole family will love! The combination of creamy sauce, soft gnocchi, and savory chicken meatballs is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb store-bought or homemade gnocchi
• 1 tbsp butter (for pan-searing)

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

Making the perfect chicken meatballs is all about balancing flavor and texture. Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking.
3. Sear to Perfection: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t have to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
4. Set Aside: Transfer the seared meatballs to a plate and cover them loosely with foil while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

The key to perfect gnocchi is achieving a slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. You have two cooking options:

• Pan-Searing: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly golden and crispy. This method enhances the texture and adds a delicious nutty flavor.
• Boiling: If you prefer a softer gnocchi, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

This sauce is where the magic happens—it ties the dish together with its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor.
3. Add the Cream & Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss in the Greens: Add baby spinach and stir until wilted. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Return the Meatballs: Place the meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
2. Fold in the Gnocchi: Gently stir in the gnocchi, coating it in the creamy sauce.
3. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Variations

Juicier Meatballs: Don’t overmix the ingredients, and add a splash of milk for extra moisture to keep the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi tender and flavorful.

Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version of Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi.

Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gnocchi to make Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi suitable for gluten-free diets.

Extra Crispy Gnocchi: Pan-sear instead of boiling for a golden, slightly crunchy texture that enhances the overall dish.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted chickpeas while keeping the same creamy Tuscan flavors.

Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes for a bit more heat in your Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi.

More Depth of Flavor: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the broth to enhance the richness of the sauce.

Make It Ahead: Prep the meatballs and sauce in advance, then reheat and combine when ready to serve for a quick and effortless Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this dish with the right sides can take it to the next level. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Try making your own with this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe, for a truly homemade Italian dining experience.
• Light Salad: A fresh arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Grated Parmesan & Fresh Basil: Garnish each plate with extra cheese and herbs for a final flavor boost.
• Chili Flakes & Olive Oil Drizzle: For a slight heat kick and enhanced flavor, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle chili flakes before serving.

For tips on safe food handling and preparation, refer to the USDA’s guidelines.

Tips for First-Timers

• Chill the Meatballs: If your mixture is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier.
• Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly oil your hands before rolling the meatballs to keep the mixture from sticking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the meatballs in batches for even browning.
• Test the Gnocchi: If pan-searing, let the gnocchi develop a golden crust before stirring.
• Balance the Flavors: If the sauce tastes too rich, add a splash of lemon juice or white wine for acidity.
• Thicken the Sauce Naturally: Let it simmer for a few extra minutes instead of adding cornstarch or flour.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning after combining the sauce and meatballs.

FAQs

Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Chef Lily

Make Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. A one-pan, flavor-packed Italian dish perfect for any night. Try it now!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil for searing

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 1 shallot finely diced
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb store-bought or homemade gnocchi
• 1 tbsp butter for pan-searing

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

Making the perfect chicken meatballs is all about balancing flavor and texture. Here’s how to get them just right:

• Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
• Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking.
• Sear to Perfection: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t have to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Set Aside: Transfer the seared meatballs to a plate and cover them loosely with foil while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

The key to perfect gnocchi is achieving a slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. You have two cooking options:

• Pan-Searing: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly golden and crispy. This method enhances the texture and adds a delicious nutty flavor.
• Boiling: If you prefer a softer gnocchi, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

This sauce is where the magic happens—it ties the dish together with its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors.

• Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
• Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor.
• Add the Cream & Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
• Toss in the Greens: Add baby spinach and stir until wilted. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

• Return the Meatballs: Place the meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
• Fold in the Gnocchi: Gently stir in the gnocchi, coating it in the creamy sauce.
• Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 32g

Keyword Creamy Chicken Meatballs, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Italian Meatball Recipe, Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi is the perfect combination of comfort food, gourmet flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re making this dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or meal prep, it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

With its creamy garlic sauce, juicy chicken meatballs, and pillowy gnocchi, this meal is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Plus, the one-pan convenience makes it ideal for anyone looking to create a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Now that you have all the steps, tips, and variations at your fingertips, it’s time to bring the flavors of Tuscany into your kitchen! Try this recipe, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a dish that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.

If you loved this recipe, share your experience in the comments and let us know your favorite tweaks! Happy cooking!