Slow-Cooker Kielbasa Tuscan Gnocchi

Smoked kielbasa, pillowy potato gnocchi, and sun-dried tomatoes simmer low and slow in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese and mozzarella.

This dump-and-go slow cooker dinner delivers all the comfort of a Tuscan pasta bake with minimal effort. Just layer the ingredients, set the timer, and come back to a bubbling, cheesy meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights.

This slow cooker kielbasa Tuscan gnocchi is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Smoked kielbasa brings a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with tender potato gnocchi and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

The cream cheese and mozzarella melt into a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of the day. It's comfort food made effortless.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

Cooking the kielbasa and gnocchi together in the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld and develop slowly. The smoked sausage infuses the sauce with its rich, savory essence, while the gnocchi absorbs the creamy tomato broth, becoming tender and flavorful. The low, gentle heat ensures the gnocchi stays intact rather than turning mushy.

The cream cheese and mozzarella melt into a smooth, luxurious sauce without any extra steps. Placing the cream cheese in the center and topping with mozzarella lets them melt gradually, creating a silky texture that clings to the pasta and meat. This method delivers the creamy, cheesy result you'd expect from a stovetop dish, but with virtually no hands-on time.

Notes and substitutions

Choose a good-quality smoked kielbasa for the best flavor—it should be firm and fully cooked. Potato gnocchi are ideal because they hold up well in the slow cooker; shelf-stable gnocchi work perfectly and are conveniently available in most supermarkets.

Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add extra richness, but dry-packed ones work too—just rehydrate them in warm water before using.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap the kielbasa for smoked turkey sausage or andouille for a spicier kick. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella.

For a vegetarian version, omit the kielbasa and add extra mushrooms or roasted vegetables. The slow cooker does all the work, so feel free to adapt based on what you have on hand.

• smoked kielbasa: Smoked turkey sausage or andouille sausage (adjust heat as desired)
• potato gnocchi: Cauliflower gnocchi (add in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness)
• chicken broth: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (omit kielbasa and add extra mushrooms)
• sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped fresh tomatoes (reduce broth to 1/2 cup to avoid excess liquid)

Equipment

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