Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi. This dish features tender chicken meatballs and soft gnocchi in a luscious, velvety sauce made with smoked turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). The smoky, savory elements perfectly balance the creaminess, offering a warm Italian-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Main Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly. Form into bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the diced smoked turkey bacon until crisp and fragrant. Remove some for garnish. Using the rendered fat, sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring to incorporate browned bits. Add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and Italian herbs. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach, Meatballs, and Gnocchi: Fold in fresh spinach and cooked gnocchi, stirring until spinach wilts and gnocchi is warmed through. Nestle the cooked meatballs into the sauce, simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the meatballs and gnocchi, sprinkle reserved smoked turkey bacon on top, and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for more evenly mixed tender meatballs.
- Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a perfect sear.
- Reserve some sauce liquid to adjust thickness if needed.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for the brightest flavor.
- Store-bought gnocchi works well, but homemade gnocchi adds extra love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken meatballs, creamy sauce, gnocchi, smoked turkey bacon, Italian comfort food, gluten free dinner
