Crockpot Chicken Tuscan Gnocchi: Dump-and-Go Dinner

This Crockpot Chicken Tuscan Gnocchi is the ultimate dump-and-go dinner. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and sun-dried tomatoes simmer in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese and mozzarella.

Just add everything to the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a comforting, restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Imagine coming home to the aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering chicken, knowing dinner is ready with zero fuss. That's the magic of this Crockpot Chicken Tuscan Gnocchi.

The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious, creamy pasta dish that tastes like it took hours of effort. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is a true weeknight hero.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken, keeping it incredibly juicy and tender. The low, steady heat allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a rich and complex sauce.

The cream cheese and mozzarella melt into a velvety sauce that coats every piece of chicken and gnocchi, delivering a luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Using the slow cooker means no standing over a hot stove. The dump-and-go method simplifies dinner preparation, making it perfect for busy schedules.

The ingredients layer beautifully, and the slow cooking process ensures that everything is cooked to perfection without any monitoring. This hands-off approach allows for multitasking, making it a practical and stress-free meal solution.

Notes and substitutions

Chicken breast tenderloins are ideal because they are lean, cook quickly, and stay moist. You can also use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. For the gnocchi, any variety works, but shelf-stable gnocchi holds up well in the slow cooker. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add a sweet-tart depth that brightens the creamy sauce.

The cream cheese and mozzarella create a luxurious sauce. Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture. The garlic and Italian seasoning provide classic Tuscan flavors, but feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking. A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended to fit all the ingredients comfortably.

• chicken breast tenderloins: boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
• potato gnocchi: gluten-free gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi (adjust cooking time as needed)
• chicken broth: vegetable broth (for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit chicken)
• whole-milk mozzarella: part-skim mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Serving spoon