Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Canned Pea Macaroni

This creamy, budget-friendly slow cooker pea macaroni is a humble comfort dish often made from pantry staples.
With just pasta, canned peas, and butter, it turns into a warm, filling meal that’s simple, nostalgic, and easy on the budget.

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 2 cans (15 oz each) peas, undrained
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 3–4 quart slow cooker with a bit of butter.
2. Add dry elbow macaroni and spread evenly across the bottom.
3. Pour in canned peas with their liquid and add water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Distribute butter pieces over the top and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
6. Cook until pasta is tender and peas are soft and creamy.
7. Stir well before serving to create a creamy, lightly thickened sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm straight from the slow cooker with black pepper on top. It pairs well with buttered bread,
dinner rolls, fresh tomatoes, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside chicken,
ham, or meatloaf.

Variations & Tips

• Stir in milk or sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Add shredded cheddar or American cheese for a richer flavor.
• Season with garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.
• Mix in cooked ham, bacon, or chicken for added protein.
• Swap peas with mixed vegetables if needed.

Food Safety Notes