Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce

Once you have this in the crock pot, you’ll be looking forward to dinner all day! This Slow-Cooker Pork Loin in a Basil Cream Sauce is just fantastic.

The seasoning, spices, and creaminess of the sauce are perfect for a filling, satisfying dinner.

Put the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook. Once it’s done, there is one small step at the end, but it will only take a few minutes, and it’s SO worth it.

See the recipe below and enjoy! If you like this one, you will love my crockpot pulled pork recipe!

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: High – 4 hours; Medium – 6; Low – 8
• Main Ingredients: Pork loin (I prefer it to pork tenderloin), onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, basil, half-and-half, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: Add carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker to have delicious sides cooked right in the basil sauce.
• Tip: Use leftover pork loin and basil cream sauce to make delicious tacos or risotto, or stir them into pasta for a quick and easy meal.

Rich Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce

As a busy mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle work and kids while still putting a wholesome meal on the table.

Fortunately, recipes like my Rich Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce are lifesavers!

Let me walk you through how I prep and load up my crock pot for this delightful dish, complete with warm tips and tricks to make your cooking experience effortless.

Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter so you can skip the hassle of scavenging for that one missing spice when you’re in the middle of preparing.

Place your pork loin on a cutting board, pat it dry if needed, and season it well with salt and black pepper for a light spice rub.

If you prefer making crock pot pork tenderloin, you’re in luck, as it’s a versatile option for this dish.

However, it’s essential to note that pork tenderloins are a different cut of meat from pork loins. It’s much leaner and lacks the robust pork flavor that pork loin offers.

Gently lay the seasoned pork loin into your slow cooker’s cozy embrace. Now, it’s time to add the flavor enhancers:

• Mince 1/2 an onion or use pre-minced for convenience.
• Add 3 cloves of minced or pressed garlic. If you’re short on time, a tablespoon of jarred minced garlic works perfectly.
• Pop in 2 chicken bouillon cubes for a rich base.
• Pour over 1 cup of water to keep everything moist.
• Sprinkle 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper for additional seasoning- I find the bouillon is salty enough that I don’t need to add much more.

Feeling adventurous? Add extra veggies like baby carrots or diced potatoes. They not only bulk up the dish but also beautifully absorb those mouth-watering flavors.

Then I set the slow cooker to low for 8 hours (or medium for 6 hours, or high for 4).

Once the cooking time completes, remove the crock pot pork loin and cover it to keep it warm. Then, turn your attention to crafting that dreamy basil cream sauce:

• In a saucepan, whisk together 2/3 cup of half and half with 1 Tbsp cornstarch.
• Heat over medium, whisking often, until the mixture is bubbly and thickened.
• Pour this creamy delight back into the slow cooker, mixing well with the cooking liquid.
• Let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Slice the tender pork loin and generously spoon over the delectable basil cream sauce with your favorite veggies.

I picked Brussels sprouts, but I know not everyone loves and appreciates them like I do, LOL.

And there you have it! Dinner is on the table with just a little effort, and it’s a tasty meal that my daughters love, so I’m sure yours will enjoy it, too.

Bonus tip: any leftover sauce can be used the next day over pasta or rice, making it a double win in my book!

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Pork Loin with Creamy Herb Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 2-3 lb. pork loin
• 1/2 onion minced
• 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed (or 1 Tbsp jarred minced garlic)
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

• Place pork loin in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
• Add everything else but the half and half and cornstarch to the slow cooker.
• Cook for 8 hours on low (or 6 hours on medium, or 4 hours on high)
• Remove pork from slow cooker and cover.
• Add half and half to a sauce pan and whisk in the cornstarch.
• Over medium heat, whisking often, heat until it is bubbly and thick.
• Add the thickened half and half to the liquid in the slow cooker and mix in well.
• Let the liquid cook in the slow cooker for about 5-10 minutes.
• Slice the pork and serve. top with the cream sauce from the slow cooker.

Recipe Substitutes

Now, I’m very happy with this crock pot pork roast style meal, but feel free to experiment with these substitutes to make the recipe fit your lifestyle and taste preferences.

Cooking is all about creativity and personalization, so don’t be afraid to make this dish your own!

There are a few substitutes you can use for some of the ingredients in this recipe, depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:

The Meat

Some people swap pork tenderloin for pork loin since it’s a little cheaper, but the pork loin has a stronger pork flavor and is more tender. That’s why I prefer using pork loin for this recipe.

But swap for whatever you have on hand- most cuts of pork would be great in the basil cream sauce!

If you’re not a fan of pork or simply want to try something different, chicken breast or turkey breast are excellent alternatives.

These options still provide a tender, juicy experience while soaking up the basil cream sauce beautifully.

I’m also a big fan of chicken thighs; the dark meat is tender and juicy from being cooked in the slow cooker. They’d go great with the basil cream sauce.

The Sauce/Seasonings

For those looking to reduce the dairy content in the basil cream sauce, coconut milk, or almond milk can replace half and half.

These options still yield a rich, creamy consistency while catering to lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch is an excellent substitute for flour as a thickening agent. You can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

Instead of chicken bouillon cubes, you can use beef or vegetable bouillon cubes for a slightly different flavor profile.

Vegetarians can also opt for vegetable broth as a base, the bouillon cubes are great to substitute and easy to pop in for the sauce.

Serving It Up

When I serve my Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce, I love pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts.

The slight crunch and natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts perfectly complement the rich, creamy sauce and tender pork.

Simply toss the sprouts in a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them until they are golden and crispy on the edges. It takes less than 30 minutes to get them into the oven and cook them.

But don’t stop there! There are plenty of other fantastic sides that can make this meal even more delicious and well-rounded.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of the mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the basil cream sauce, making each bite a comforting delight.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a vibrant pop of color and a lovely crunch to your plate.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots: For a touch of sweetness, try serving honey-glazed carrots. Their caramelized flavor is a yummy contrast to the savory pork.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice pilaf make it a delightful and hearty side dish.
• Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash provides a creamy texture similar to mashed potatoes while being lighter and healthier.

Transform Leftover Pork Loin into New Dishes

Leftover pork loin and basil cream sauce open a world of culinary possibilities, making it easy to create delicious new meals with minimal effort. Here are some creative ideas to repurpose those leftovers:

• Pork Loin Tacos: Shred the leftover pork loin and warm it up in a skillet. Serve it in warm tortillas with a drizzle of basil cream sauce, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a quick and tasty taco night.
• Pork and Veggie Stir-fry: Slice the leftover pork and sauté it with a mix of fresh or frozen veggies such as bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli. Add a spoonful of the basil cream sauce to the stir-fry for a unique twist. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
• Creamy Pork Pasta: Cube the leftover pork and toss it with cooked pasta. Heat up the basil cream sauce and mix it in with the pasta and pork. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and some fresh basil for a comforting and hearty pasta dish.
• Pork Loin Sandwiches: Slice the pork thinly and layer it on a fresh baguette or sandwich roll with the basil cream sauce, arugula, and a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Toast the sandwich until the cheese is melted for a delightful and satisfying meal.
• Savory Pork and Rice Casserole: Mix shredded pork with cooked rice, a bit of the basil cream sauce, and some sautéed mushrooms or other veggies. Top with breadcrumbs and grated cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly for a warming and homey casserole.
• Basil Pork Risotto: Incorporate the leftover basil cream sauce into a creamy risotto. Add the shredded pork loin and some peas or asparagus tips for a sophisticated and flavorful dish.

These options will help you make the most of your leftovers, transforming them into exciting new meals that your family will love.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

Is it better to cook pork loin on low or high?

Both methods can produce tasty results and a juicy, tender pork loin, but in my experience, cooking on low heat for a longer time allows the pork to become more tender and flavorful juices.

You get a nice juicy pork loin roast without having the oven heating up the house, with a yummy sauce that comes together in no time.

Why did my slow cooker pork loin come out a bit tough?

Slow cooker pork loin can become tough if it is not fully submerged in the liquid or is overcooked.

I’ve found that slow-cooker pork tenderloin gets tougher than pork loin, so I picked this meat instead. 

I suggest you add extra water to cover the meat if necessary to keep the meat moist and tender.

Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help ensure that your pork loin is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature should reach 145°F before removing it from the slow cooker and covering it to let it rest for 3 minutes.

Should I add more water if my pork loin isn’t fully covered?

Yes, if the slow cooker isn’t fully covered with liquid, the meat may not cook evenly. It’s always a good idea to add more water or broth to ensure the pork loin is submerged while cooking.

You can also rotate the position of the pork loin in the slow cooker every couple of hours to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the half-and-half with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of chicken.

This will still result in a creamy and delicious sauce to top your slow cooker pork loin with.

What sides go well with a slow cooker pork loin roast?

The possibilities are endless! Some great options include roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, or potatoes, as well as rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.

If you season this crock pot pork loin with onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, and more, you can create a stronger or different flavor profile that goes well with many sides.

You can also serve it with a crisp side salad or some bread to soak up the creamy basil sauce. Get creative and find your perfect pairings!

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and assemble them in the slow cooker insert the night before.

Then, refrigerate until you’re ready to begin cooking. This is perfect for busy mornings when you know dinner will be one less thing you need to worry about later.

Or, you can put it in a freezer bag to meal prep and thaw later. You can take it out of the freezer the night or two before you want to cook it.

Just make sure the meat is fully thawed so it can cook properly, I don’t recommend putting frozen meat into the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

My slow cooker pork loin recipe is a delicious and easy option for any busy weeknight meal.

With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, you can have a mouth-watering dinner on the table in no time.

Plus, leftover pork and basil cream sauce can be used for other meals, such as pasta or rice dishes, so it’s a win-win situation.

So why not try this recipe and see for yourself how tasty and convenient slow cooker cooking can be?

Your family will thank you for a fantastic dinner!

Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide yet? I might be biased, but I think it’s pretty amazing! Check it out!

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