Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts slowly cook in a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce, infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for added depth. With minimal prep and effortless slow cooking, it’s a hassle-free meal that pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Sauce Base

1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs with juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
1 cup marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon pepper

Creamy Mixture

½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Main Protein

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)

Finishing Touches

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the sauce base: Add the diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs and juice), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Create the creamy mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate it into the tomato sauce.
Add the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down gently into the sauce to ensure they are coated and partially submerged.
Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Finish and serve: Stir in the freshly chopped basil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

Some sauce was removed from the pictures in the slow cooker to show detail. The recipe makes plenty of sauce for serving with pasta or other sides.
Chicken substitutions: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chicken meatballs, or sausages for different textures and flavors.
Tomato pasta sauce: Use any marinara-style tomato sauce you prefer. A flavorful sauce enhances the overall dish.
Diced tomatoes variation: If you dislike tomato chunks, replace the diced tomatoes with additional tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
Cream substitution: Heavy cream or evaporated milk works best as they do not curdle during cooking. Avoid regular milk or light cream.
Herbs and seasonings: Customize the herbs to your liking. For spice lovers, add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Fresh basil alternative: If fresh basil is unavailable, basil pesto can be used to impart a fresh basil flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 280g)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120mg