If you're looking for a quick, easy, and comforting meal that you can mostly ignore while it cooks itself, then crockpot gnocchi recipes are an excellent choice. This versatile Italian dumpling pairs wonderfully with various sauces and ingredients, making it a perfect candidate for the slow cooker. In this blog, we'll explore five unique crockpot gnocchi recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, flavorful dishes.
1. Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of basil and pine nuts with the tender texture of gnocchi, resulting in a dish that’s both refreshing and filling.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1⁄2 cup prepared pesto sauce
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
To prepare: - Add chicken and broth to the crockpot, cook on low for 4 hours. - Remove chicken, shred, return to pot. - Add gnocchi, pesto, and cream, cook for another hour until gnocchi is soft. - Season, garnish, and serve.
2. Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi
This slow cooker gnocchi recipe with its creamy mushroom sauce, evokes the flavors of a high-end restaurant right in your kitchen.
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms (button, portobello, shiitake)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, pepper, thyme, to taste
- Grated Parmesan for topping
To prepare: - Sauté mushrooms, garlic, and onion in butter until aromatic. - Add to the crockpot with stock and cook on low for 4 hours. - Add gnocchi and cream, cook for another hour. - Season, top with Parmesan, and serve.
3. Tomato Basil Gnocchi
Enjoy the simplicity and rich taste of this slow-cooked tomato basil gnocchi, reminiscent of a classic Italian meal.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, sugar, dried oregano, to taste
To prepare: - Combine all ingredients except gnocchi in the crockpot. - Cook on low for 6 hours. - Add gnocchi and cook for another hour. - Season and serve hot.
4. Butternut Squash and Spinach Gnocchi
This recipe brings autumn flavors to life, perfect for a comforting dinner on a chilly evening.
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach, packed
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- Salt, nutmeg, for seasoning
To prepare: - Add squash, onion, garlic, and broth to the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours. - Blend the mixture, return to pot, add gnocchi and spinach. - Cook for another hour until spinach is wilted. - Stir in cream, season, and serve.
5. Sausage and Kale Gnocchi
A hearty, robust dish that combines the comforting texture of gnocchi with the rustic flavors of sausage and kale.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
To prepare: - Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. - Add sausage, kale, tomatoes, stock, and flakes to the crockpot. - Cook on low for 6 hours. - Add gnocchi, cook for another hour. - Serve with Parmesan cheese.
⚠️ Note: Always check the cooking times for your specific slow cooker model as times can vary.
In this culinary journey through various crockpot gnocchi recipes, we've seen how versatile and comforting gnocchi can be when prepared in a slow cooker. Whether you're craving a creamy mushroom sauce, a hearty sausage and kale stew, or the gentle flavors of butternut squash and spinach, these recipes can become your go-to meals for easy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekends. The slow cooker not only makes the cooking process effortless but also allows the flavors to meld together in a way that stovetop cooking might not achieve. Each dish provides a cozy, satisfying experience, demonstrating the wide array of flavors and ingredients that pair well with gnocchi. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and perhaps customize them with your favorite ingredients to make them your own.
Can I prepare the ingredients for these recipes ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Chopped vegetables, pre-cooked meats, and sauces can be stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to thaw or bring ingredients to room temperature before placing them into the crockpot.
Is it possible to substitute potato gnocchi with other types of gnocchi?
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Yes, feel free to experiment with cauliflower, spinach, or ricotta gnocchi. Keep in mind that cooking times might differ slightly based on the type of gnocchi you use.
Can I make these recipes vegetarian or vegan?
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Absolutely. Use vegetable broth, skip the meat, and opt for dairy-free substitutes like almond milk or coconut cream to make these recipes vegan. Ensure that your gnocchi is made without eggs for vegan recipes.
