Savory Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy tomato basil chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts swim in a luxurious sauce that balances rich cream with bright, tangy tomatoes.

Fragrant basil leaves add a fresh, herbaceous note that makes every bite sing.

The dish comes together effortlessly, proving gourmet cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Pantry staples combine to create a restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Packed with flavor and elegance, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Dive into a dinner that promises to become a new household favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 9 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Tomatoes: Vibrant and juicy, adding depth and natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Pasta Sauce: Provides a rich, pre-seasoned foundation for the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the sauce with robust flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings an authentic Mediterranean flair.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, warming heat and complexity.

• Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce and ensure a smooth, silky consistency.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs the sauce's incredible flavors.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, herbaceous finish that adds a pop of freshness and color.

Tools to Cook Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Slow Cooker (3-6 quart): Essential for creating this hands-off, tender chicken dish.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending cream and corn starch smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent flavor.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping fresh basil before garnishing.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for preparing fresh basil and cutting chicken if necessary.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Flavor Foundation

Create a delicious base in your slow cooker by combining zesty tomatoes, rich pasta sauce, aromatic garlic, and a blend of classic seasonings. This mixture will infuse your chicken with incredible depth and warmth.

• Creamy Transformation

Blend smooth cream with corn starch to create a luxurious sauce that will make your dish silky and luscious. Pour this magical mixture into the slow cooker, creating a velvety environment for the chicken.

• Chicken Nestling

Gently place chicken breasts into the sauce, allowing them to sink into the flavorful liquid. The slow cooking process will ensure tender, juicy meat that falls apart with minimal effort.

• Patient Cooking

Let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat for 3-5 hours. During this time, the chicken will absorb all the incredible flavors and become incredibly tender. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.

• Fresh Finale

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish moments before serving. This final touch adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire meal. Serve alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad for a complete dining experience.

Tips to Balance the Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce

• Swap store-bought pasta sauce with homemade marinara or roasted tomato sauce for a personalized flavor profile.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or crumbled feta on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra richness.
• Replace chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even firm white fish like halibut for variety.
• Toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
• Add red pepper flakes, a dash of smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat in their meal.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Tomato Chicken

• Pair with Pasta Perfection: Ladle the creamy tomato basil chicken over al dente spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian-inspired meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Create a Salad Symphony: Serve the tender chicken atop a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a balanced and refreshing dinner option.
• Elevate with Rice Delight: Spoon the rich, creamy sauce and chicken over fluffy white or brown rice, letting the flavors meld together for a comforting and satisfying plate.

Make-Ahead & Storage for Tomato Basil Chicken

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the creamy sauce intact and flavor locked in.
• Freeze for Later: Carefully transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, where it will stay delicious for 2-3 months without losing texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain the sauce's silky consistency.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble ingredients in a freezer bag the night before, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick, stress-free meal solution.

Velvety Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 9 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rustic tomato basil chicken brings Italian countryside comfort to home kitchens. Silky sauce, fresh herbs, and tender chicken combine for a simple yet sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 14 oz (398 ml) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsps corn starch
• 2 tbsps finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Merge diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper in the slow cooker, whisking until ingredients blend seamlessly.
2. Cream Integration: Craft a silky slurry by combining heavy cream and cornstarch, eliminating lumps, then gently fold into the sauce mixture.
3. Chicken Immersion: Nestle whole chicken breasts into the sauce, ensuring partial submersion and complete coating for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to gently simmer for 3-5 hours until reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Resting and Finishing: Extract chicken breasts and let them rest momentarily, then delicately fold fresh basil leaves into the sauce to enhance its aromatic profile.
6. Serving Technique: Slice or present chicken whole, accompanied by pasta, steamed rice, or a vibrant garden salad, drizzling the luxurious sauce over the protein for a perfect culinary presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Slow Cooker Size: Use a 3-6 quart slow cooker to ensure proper heat distribution and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Master the Slurry Technique: Whisk heavy cream and cornstarch thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, creamy sauce without unwanted clumps.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat with maximum flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg