Description
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples. The pressure cooker locks in moisture and melts the cheese perfectly, delivering a smooth, velvety texture with minimal effort and cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.
Ingredients
Pasta & Liquid
- Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
- Water or broth – 2 cups
Dairy & Cheese
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Milk or cream – 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – 2 cups
- Parmesan cheese, shredded – 1/2 cup
Seasonings
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Place the elbow macaroni in the Instant Pot and add water or broth just until the pasta is covered. Lock the lid, seal the vent, and cook on high pressure for half the time suggested on the pasta package (usually about 4 minutes). Quick-release the pressure carefully once the timer goes off.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Open the lid and immediately stir in the butter until melted. Slowly add the milk or cream while stirring, then toss in the shredded cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your preferred consistency. Serve hot for the best creamy, cheesy experience.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the Instant Pot: Keep pasta and liquid quantities within capacity to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting.
- Stir immediately after cooking to prevent clumping or graininess.
- Adjust liquids carefully: more liquid softens pasta but thins sauce; less risks sticking or burning.
- Combine sharp and mild cheeses to enhance flavor and meltability.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg