This slow cooker 3-ingredient sweet pea macaroni is the kind of meal I lean on when groceries feel too expensive and everyone still needs to leave the table full and happy. It’s built around the cheapest pantry staples I always seem to have: a box of elbow macaroni, a bag of frozen peas, and a stick of butter. Everything cooks together right in the slow cooker, and the starch from the pasta mixes with the melted butter to make a surprisingly rich, glossy sauce.
The peas stay bright and sweet, so the whole dish looks more vibrant than you’d ever expect from such a simple, budget-friendly dinner.
Serve this sweet pea macaroni straight from the slow cooker while it’s still glossy and warm. I like to scoop it into bowls and add a little black pepper at the table, but it’s comforting all on its own. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or sliced fresh veggies if you have them, and a piece of toast or garlic bread stretches it even further on tight-budget nights.
For kids, I’ll sometimes offer a sprinkle of grated cheese on top, but it’s absolutely fine plain when the fridge is bare.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sweet Pea Macaroni
Ingredients
12 oz (about 3 cups) dry elbow macaroni
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