Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender boneless skinless chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy tomato and basil sauce infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and seasonings. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting meal that requires minimal effort and few ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (14 oz or 398 ml, with juice)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Chicken and Garnish
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (including their juice), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
- Mix cream and cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture into the slow cooker with the tomato sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Add the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them gently down into the sauce to ensure they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), signaling it is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and season: Once cooked, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed to suit your preferences.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts, spoon the creamy tomato basil sauce over them, and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting slow cooker meal!
Notes
- This recipe requires very few ingredients and minimal prep, making it an effortless flavorful meal.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model; always check the chicken’s internal temperature for doneness.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil added at the end brightens the dish with a fresh herbal aroma and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1099 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
