Description
This instant pot recipe is a rich, velvety mac and cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. In one pot, you can make a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound—Pasta (elbow macaroni)
- 4 cups— Water
- 1 teaspoon—Salt
- 2 tablespoons—Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon—Garlic powder
- 3 cups—Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces—Cream cheese
- 1 cup—Milk
For Serving (Optional):
- Crispy bacon, golden breadcrumbs, or fresh herbs
- Parsley or chives for garnish
- Hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1 — Add pasta: Begin by adding one pound of your favorite pasta to the Instant Pot. Choose something that cooks well under pressure, like elbow macaroni or shells.
Step 2 — Add liquid: Pour in four cups of water or broth for flavor. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged.
Step 3 — Pressure cook: Seal the lid, set the steam release valve to “sealing,” and select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting. Cook for 4 minutes. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
Step 4 — Add cheese: Carefully open the lid and stir the pasta, then add in two cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar or a blend works beautifully.
Step 5 — Finish and serve: Mix until the cheese is melted and creamy. If desired, fold in a splash of milk or cream for extra richness.
Notes
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Different pasta shapes cook differently in the instant pot. Consider using elbow macaroni for a traditional taste, but fusilli or shells work well too.
- Adjust Cooking Times: For most pasta shapes, a cooking time of 4 minutes under pressure is ideal. Keep in mind that thinner pasta might need less time.
- Avoid Cheese Clumping: To prevent clumps of cheese, add it slowly after releasing pressure and stir thoroughly. Using shredded cheese rather than blocks can help as well.
- Monitor Liquid Ratios: If you’re experimenting with different ingredients, be cautious about liquid ratios. Most recipes require a good balance, typically around 1 cup of liquid for every cup of pasta.
- Incorporate Flavor Wisely: Feel free to add spices or sautéed veggies before adding the pasta. This enhances flavors, making your creamy mac and cheese even more delicious.
- Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce turns out too thick, a splash of milk or broth can achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 min pressure + 5 min natural release
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 Servings
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
