5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sweet Pea Macaroni

 

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sweet Pea Macaroni

This easy, comforting dish is perfect for busy days. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch that blends with the butter and water to create a smooth, glossy sauce—no extra steps required. Adding the peas near the end keeps them bright, tender, and slightly sweet, balancing the richness of the dish.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Dry elbow macaroni	12 oz
Hot water	3½ cups
Unsalted butter, cut into chunks	½ cup
Frozen sweet peas	1½ cups
Salt (optional)	1 tsp

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Start the base
Add the dry macaroni, hot water, and salt (if using). Stir to combine, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add the butter
Place the butter pieces evenly on top of the macaroni mixture. Do not stir yet — this allows the butter to melt slowly and coat the pasta evenly as it cooks.

Step 4: First cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 45 minutes. Then stir well, making sure nothing is sticking to the sides or bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add the peas
Stir in the frozen peas, pressing them gently into the hot mixture. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a small splash of hot water.

Step 6: Finish cooking
Cover again and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender and the peas are heated through.

Step 7: Let it set and serve
Switch the slow cooker to WARM, give the macaroni a final stir, and taste for seasoning before serving.

Enjoy your creamy, buttery, no-fuss macaroni!