Slow Cooker Canned Pea Macaroni

Description

Slow Cooker Canned Pea Macaroni is a simple, comforting, budget-friendly meal made with tender macaroni, sweet canned peas, creamy sauce, and savory seasonings. It’s an easy dump-and-go recipe perfect for busy days when you want a warm homemade dish with minimal effort. Great as a main meal or hearty side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 can peas (15 oz / 425 g), drained
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• Optional: ½ cup cooked diced ham or bacon bits

Method

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add uncooked macaroni, drained peas, onion, garlic, broth, milk, butter, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on Low for 1½–2 hours or High for 45–60 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Step 4: Add Cheese

When macaroni is tender, stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm. Garnish with extra parsley or black pepper if desired.

Time Taken

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1½–2 hours Low
• Total Time: About 2 hours

Servings

Serves 4–6 people

Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 540mg

Benefits

• Easy one-pot slow cooker meal
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
• Good source of carbohydrates for energy
• Peas provide fiber, vitamins, and plant protein
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Minimal cleanup required

Notes

• Cooking time may vary by slow cooker model.
• Stir once during cooking to prevent sticking.
• If mixture thickens too much, add extra broth or milk.
• Use frozen peas if preferred.

Tips

• Add diced ham or chicken for extra protein.
• Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• For creamier texture, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese.
• Best served immediately while hot.

Q&A

Q: Can I use canned peas without draining?

Drain them first so the dish doesn’t become watery.

Q: Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes, shells, penne, or rotini work well.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth and skip meat add-ins.

Q: Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q: Why is my pasta mushy?

It likely cooked too long. Check pasta earlier next time.