Ever get home and realize dinner needs to cook itself tonight? We’ve all been there. That’s why Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s hearty, creamy, flavorful—and the best part? It does all the heavy lifting while you live your life.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Set-it-and-forget-it ease—because no one has time for dinner drama.
- Creamy tomato basil perfection that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal stress.
- Flexible ingredients—switch up the chicken cut or basil style to match your pantry.
Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re just craving something warm and comforting, this recipe wraps you up like a soft blanket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
- 1 jar tomato pasta sauce (think marinara or any seasoned tomato base)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (or sub in more sauce for a smoother texture)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or swap for 1 tbsp basil pesto)
- 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk (no low-fat here—trust me)
- 1 tbsp corn starch (to thicken it up nicely)
How to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Sauce it up: Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and half of the basil into your slow cooker. Stir everything together like you mean it.
- Creamy base: In a bowl, whisk your heavy cream with corn starch until smooth. Add to the slow cooker and mix it in.
- Nestle the chicken: Place your chicken breasts into the sauce, pressing them down so they’re nice and cozy.
- Slow cook love: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 5 hours, until the chicken hits 165°F. (Pro tip: more chicken = longer cook time.)
- Final flourish: Stir in the remaining basil or a spoonful of basil pesto right before serving.
- Serve & savor: This is dreamy over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted veggies.
Recipe Tips
- No basil? No worries. Basil pesto is a flavor-packed stand-in.
- Curdle control: Use heavy cream or evaporated milk—skip low-fat if you want a smooth sauce.
- Spice things up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Flour instead of corn starch? Go for it—just mix well before adding.
A Little Kitchen Confession…
The first time I made this dish, I tossed it all in the slow cooker and ran out to do errands (including a stop at the school pick-up line that took way too long). When I got home, the house smelled like an Italian restaurant and dinner was ready. My kids were quiet at the table (a rare miracle), and everyone asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! They’re just as tender and add more flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try coconut cream, but the flavor will change slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—just thaw overnight before reheating.
A Cozy, Creamy Finish
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is everything a weeknight dinner should be—simple, soul-soothing, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to meal prep like a boss, this dish has your back. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
It’s one of those comforting meals that checks every box: creamy without being heavy, flavorful without requiring a spice cabinet raid, and easy enough to pull off even when your energy’s at zero. Plus, the leftovers reheat like a dream, making your next-day lunch something to actually look forward to.
So go ahead—pour yourself a glass of something lovely, let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a dinner that tastes like love in a bowl. Because you deserve that kind of delicious comfort, even on the busiest days.
Keep the Slow Cooker Magic Going
If you loved this cozy chicken dinner, here are a few more slow cooker favorites you’ll want to bookmark for future cravings:
- Try another creamy chicken sensation with our rich and hearty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—a cheesy, comforting hit with pasta lovers.
- Craving something a little more international? Our Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl delivers bold Mexican flavors with zero dinner stress.
- For another tomato-forward masterpiece, check out the flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. It’s a rustic, slow-simmered hug in a bowl.
- And when you’re in the mood for something ultra-cozy and low-effort, our Crockpot Potato Soup will keep you warm and satisfied on the chilliest nights.
Your slow cooker isn’t just a tool—it’s your weeknight savior. Keep exploring, keep simmering, and keep enjoying those no-fuss meals that taste like a warm hug.
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil. It’s the perfect fuss-free weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 jar (about 24 oz) tomato pasta sauce (marinara-style)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or substitute with more sauce)
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tbsp basil pesto)
1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
1 tbsp corn starch
Instructions
Add tomato pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and half the basil into a 3–6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and corn starch until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and mix well.
Nestle chicken breasts into the sauce, pressing them down to cover.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 5 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Just before serving, stir in the remaining basil or a spoonful of basil pesto.
Serve over pasta, rice, or with veggies, and top with shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, replace the diced tomatoes with more pasta sauce.
Basil pesto works beautifully when fresh basil isn’t available.
Use heavy cream or evaporated milk to avoid curdling.
Add red pepper flakes for a little spice.
You can substitute corn starch with flour if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg