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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Canned Pea Macaroni

Slow Cooker Canned Pea Macaroni is soft, buttery, and wonderfully comforting, with tender elbows and sweet canned peas in a naturally glossy sauce. This easy pantry-friendly meal cooks together in the slow cooker without cream or cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 405 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cans peas 15 ounces each; undrained, including all can liquid
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, cut into pieces; use a little for greasing the slow cooker
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper optional, plus more at the table

Instructions
 

  • Lightly grease the inside of a small 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with a little butter, coating the bottom and sides.
  • Pour the dry elbow macaroni into the slow cooker and spread it into a reasonably even layer.
  • Add both cans of peas, including all their liquid, over the macaroni, then pour in the water and stir gently so most of the pasta is under the liquid.
  • Scatter the butter pieces over the top, then sprinkle in the salt and black pepper if using.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice during the cooking time while keeping the lid on otherwise.
  • Begin checking around the 1 1/2-hour mark; the macaroni should be very tender and the peas soft enough that some break apart when stirred. If needed, cover and cook longer, checking every 15 minutes.
  • When the macaroni is tender, stir everything thoroughly so the peas break up into the butter and pasta starch, creating a pale green glossy sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
  • Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed, then serve warm from the slow cooker and keep it on the WARM setting for seconds.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in shallow containers and use within a day or two. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat until steaming hot, adding a small splash of water or milk if dry. Microwave covered loosely and stir halfway through, or reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Do not leave the finished macaroni sitting out all afternoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal
Keyword canned peas, easy comfort food, pantry recipe, pea macaroni, Slow Cooker Canned Pea Macaroni, slow cooker macaroni
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