Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil

Featured in: Weekend Chill Plates

This dish features boneless chicken breasts gently slow cooked in a rich blend of tomatoes, creamy evaporated milk or heavy cream, Italian herbs, and fresh basil. The sauce thickens with corn starch, enveloping the chicken in bold, hearty flavors. Simply combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, cook on low until perfectly tender and juicy, then finish with fresh basil for an aromatic touch. Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a balanced meal. Gluten-free and customizable, this main course shines with minimum effort and maximum taste.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:45:00 GMT
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken served over pasta with vibrant fresh basil.  Save
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken served over pasta with vibrant fresh basil. | williesnack.com

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is incredibly easy and flavorful, perfect for a hassle&free dinner!

I first made this recipe when I needed a comforting dinner without a lot of fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, making it ideal for relaxing evenings.

Ingredients

  • Canned Goods: 14 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (398 ml), 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
  • Seasonings: 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Dairy: ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
  • Thickening Agent: 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • Protein: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:
Add tomatoes, pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper to a 3(6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Mix Cream:
Whisk together cream and corn starch until smooth, then add to the slow cooker.
Add Chicken:
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pressing them down into the sauce.
Cook:
Cook on low for 3(5 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker model.
Finish:
Stir in fresh basil before serving. Enjoy over pasta, rice, or with a salad and vegetables!
Hearty Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken simmering in a rich tomato sauce.  Save
Hearty Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken simmering in a rich tomato sauce. | williesnack.com

This chicken dish became a favorite for my family during colder months. We love gathering at the table to enjoy its aroma after a long day.

Required Tools

Slow cooker, whisk

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. Check labels for specific allergens if unsure.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 29 g (per serving)

Tender Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken garnished with herbs for a delightful meal. Save
Tender Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken garnished with herbs for a delightful meal. | williesnack.com

This dish is perfect for weeknights and can easily be customized with different herbs or proteins for variety.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cut of chicken is best for creamy tomato basil chicken?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts create a tender texture, but thighs or meatballs can be substituted for a richer flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, chopped fresh tomatoes may be used, but canned tomatoes with Italian herbs ensure consistent flavor and sauciness.

Is it suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to verify your pasta sauce and cornstarch labels.

How do I avoid curdling in the creamy sauce?

Use heavy cream or evaporated milk rather than regular milk. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream.

What are good side dishes to serve with this?

Pair the dish with pasta, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

How spicy is creamy tomato basil chicken?

The flavor profile is mild. For extra heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes as desired.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil

Chicken simmers in tomato basil cream, delivering rich, dependable comfort for any hassle-free dinner.

Prep time
5 min
Time to cook
240 min
Total duration
245 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 4 Number of servings

Dietary notes No gluten

What You'll Need

Canned Goods

01 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
02 1 cup tomato pasta sauce

Seasonings

01 2 teaspoons minced garlic
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
05 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dairy

01 1/2 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream

Thickening Agent

01 2 tablespoons corn starch

Protein

01 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Fresh Herbs

01 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

How to make it

Step 01

Combine Aromatics and Base: Place diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and ground black pepper into a 3-6 quart slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.

Step 02

Prepare Dairy Mixture: Whisk evaporated milk or heavy cream together with corn starch in a bowl until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Cream into Sauce: Add the corn starch-cream mixture to the slow cooker and stir until well combined.

Step 04

Arrange Chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts into the sauce inside the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 05

Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Step 06

Finish with Fresh Basil: Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving to enhance aroma and flavor.

Tools you'll need

  • Slow cooker
  • Whisk

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 29 g