Name: Instant Pot Mac N Cheese
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 box elbow macaroni ((16 oz)); 4 cups water; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup heavy cream ((or evaporated milk or whole milk)); 1 package shredded Cheddar cheese ((8 oz))

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Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick and easy to prepare? This Instant Pot Mac N Cheese recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness in just 15 minutes! With no need to pre-boil pasta or use multiple pots, you’ll have a creamy, homemade dish perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks.

Rich, creamy, and delicious… macaroni and cheese is a recipe that tastes like home. Once you have tried making Mac N Cheese in the Instant Pot, you’ll never do it any other way!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Mac N Cheese

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe saves you time without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner fast!
Minimal Cleanup: With the Instant Pot, there’s no need to boil water or use extra pans. Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal!
Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates a perfectly creamy and decadent dish every time.
Kid-Approved: This classic comfort food is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to meal for picky eaters and family dinners.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.

Mac n cheese is an all-time favorite for many families. Kids and adults alike enjoy this classic dish. A favorite for many families, macaroni and cheese is instant happiness. This Instant Pot Mac N Cheese recipes makes serving this family favorite easier than ever.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Mac N Cheese

Elbow Macaroni – The perfect pasta shape for holding creamy cheese sauce.
Water – Used to cook the pasta directly in the Instant Pot.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the pasta and cheese.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the mac and cheese. You can substitute with evaporated or whole milk if desired.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully and provides that classic cheesy flavor.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

In just fifteen minutes, you can have delicious homemade macaroni and cheese ready to go. No need to spend an entire hour making this meal, you don’t even need to boil your macaroni noodles! With just five ingredients and fifteen minutes, you can have cheesy, gooey Instant Pot Mac N Cheese. That is easier than buying a box of macaroni and cheese from the grocery store (and no instant cheese powder in sight)!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Mac N Cheese

Instant Pot – The key to cooking this dish quickly and efficiently.
Measuring Cups – Essential for accurate measurements of water and cream.
Measuring Spoons – Helps ensure the right amount of salt.
Stirring Spoon – For mixing the ingredients and ensuring the cheese melts evenly.

If I ever doubted how much I love my Instant Pot, not having to pre-boil my macaroni for mac n cheese reignited my flame. You read that right, no need to pre-cook your pasta. Are you convinced that you have to try this instant pot take on a classic family favorite?

How To Make Instant Pot Mac N Cheese

You start this quick and easy recipe by putting macaroni, water, and salt in your instant pot. Close the lid and turn the valve to a sealing position. Press “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set the timer to 2minutes on High pressure. When your pasta is done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining steam and open your instant pot’s lid. After your macaroni is cooked, press the “Saute” button of the instant pot. Add the heavy cream and stir. Mix in cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has melted. Remove the mac n cheese from the instant pot and serve it right away.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Instant Pot Mac N Cheese as a hearty main dish with a side Fresh Pear and Gorgonzola Salad or Roasted Zucchini and Squash for a balanced meal.
Pair it with crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders or Grilled Kielbasa Sausage for a classic comfort food combo.
Use it as a side dish for barbecue favorites like Kalua Pulled Pork or Juicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs.
Dress it up with toppings like breadcrumbs, Homemade Bacon Crumbles, or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and texture.
Serve it in small bowls or ramekins for individual portions at a potluck or party.

If you are craving taste of childhood or looking for a classic meal to your own family, look no further than this Instant Pot Mac N Cheese. Using your instant pot makes making macaroni and cheese easier than ever. No boiling water, no cooking noodles ahead of time, no pre-heating, no oven, no pots and pans, no baking dish. Creamy and mouthwatering, this Instant Pot Mac N Cheese would be perfect for a family gathering, a fast and delicious dinner, or a potluck. It is easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Tips For Success

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melting and creamy texture, shred your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quick releasing ensures perfectly cooked pasta without overcooking.
Adjust Creaminess to Your Taste: If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy, you can add more heavy cream or a splash of milk during the sauté step.
Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Cheddar is classic, but mixing it with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella can create unique and delicious flavors.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the mac and cheese right after making it. It’s at its creamiest and tastiest when freshly prepared.

Variations And Substitutions

Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Use a combination of cheeses to create a richer sauce.
Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini for variety. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Spicy Twist: Add a kick by stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. A sprinkle of hot sauce can also bring some heat!
Veggie Add-Ins: For added nutrition, mix in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach after the cheese has melted. The heat from the dish will warm the vegetables through.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham for a heartier meal.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. Opt for pasta made from lentils or chickpeas to keep it gluten-free as well.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture as it heats. Stir occasionally for even reheating.
Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pro Tip: Avoid overheating as it can cause the cheese sauce to separate. Low and slow is the best approach when reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Double all the ingredients, including the water, but reduce the pressure cooking time to 1 minute. This allows for the extra water to come to pressure without overcooking the pasta.

What if my cheese sauce is too thick?

If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or cream and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. This is a quick fix to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free pasta that is suitable for pressure cooking. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions as a guide.

Why is my cheese sauce clumpy?

Clumpy cheese sauce can happen if the cheese isn’t melted evenly. Be sure to stir constantly as you add the cheese to the hot pasta and cream. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded also helps.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or cashew milk and replace the cheese with a vegan cheese substitute. The results will still be creamy and delicious.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add vegetables like steamed broccoli or peas to boost the nutritional content.

If you like Instant Pot Mac N Cheese, you will also love these easy recipes:

Instant Pot Pasta – how to cook any type of pasta in your Instant Pot :)
Instant Pot Meatballs – these classic Italian meatballs are so juicy and tender!
Instant Pot Whole Chicken – make Rotisserie chicken at home in your Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – taste just like oven baked and ready in 30 minutes!
Instant Pot Hot Dogs – this is a best way to cook lots of hot dogs for a crowd!

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