Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta, especially when it comes to Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly winter evening, and I craved something warm and indulgent. The thought of tender macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made my heart sing. By the time dinner was ready, the inviting aroma filled my home, wrapping me in nostalgia and warmth. I gathered around the table with family, and as we dug into our bowls, every bite was a reminder of why we all love comfort food. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for both cozy nights and gatherings with friends.

What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

For a dish as comforting as Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, the quality of ingredients truly matters. Each element plays a vital role in creating that rich, creamy goodness that we all crave. From the perfectly cooked elbow macaroni to the melty cheeses, every bite should be a delightful experience. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup water
• 12 oz. can evaporated milk
• 1 ¾ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions for Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Making Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get started on this cheesy adventure!

1. Start by adding the elbow macaroni, butter, nutmeg, salt, chicken stock, and water to the Instant Pot. Make sure the ingredients are well combined. The butter will melt beautifully during cooking, adding richness to the dish.
2. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “sealing” position. This step is crucial for building up pressure, which will cook the pasta perfectly.
3. Press the “manual” or “pressure cook” button, adjusting the timer to 5 minutes. Your Instant Pot will take about 7 minutes to build pressure before it starts cooking.
4. When the timer goes off, press the “cancel/off” button. Allow the pot to sit for one minute to let the pressure release slightly, then switch the valve to quickly release the remaining pressure. Be sure to stand back and open the lid carefully, away from your face, to avoid steam burns.
5. Stir the macaroni with a wooden spoon, noticing how perfectly it’s cooked. The pasta should be tender yet firm, providing a delightful texture.
6. Add the evaporated milk to the pot. Stir well to combine with the pasta, creating a creamy base for your cheese.
7. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, half a cup at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. This method ensures that the cheese incorporates evenly and prevents clumping.
8. Add the mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until you reach the desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of cheese based on how cheesy you want your dish to be.
9. Finally, season with black pepper, giving it a final stir. The black pepper adds a hint of spice that complements the rich flavors of the cheese.
10. Your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or transfer it to a baking dish for a crispy breadcrumb topping if desired.

Tips and Variations

There are many ways to enjoy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Whether you want to enhance it with extra flavors or store it for later, here are some helpful tips.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat with a little milk to keep it creamy.
• Freezing: You can freeze mac and cheese for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal Prep: Prepare a batch on the weekend for quick lunches during the week. It holds up well in individual containers.
• Add Veggies: Mix in steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños while cooking.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For a crunchy texture, add a breadcrumb topping and bake for about 10 minutes after making it in the Instant Pot.

Accompaniments for Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

• Grilled Chicken: Pair your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with grilled chicken for a hearty meal. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Salad: A fresh green salad is a great way to balance the richness of the mac and cheese. Consider a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables make perfect companions, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
• Occasions: This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings with friends, bringing everyone together around the table.
• Seasonal Pairings: In winter, serve with warm, crusty bread for a delightful meal. In summer, consider a light, refreshing side.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.

FAQ

Conclusion

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any mealtime. With its creamy texture and customizable flavors, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy. I encourage you to try making it at home; I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food awaits you with this creamy and cheesy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. Make it tonight for a delicious family meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 5 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Instant Pot
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup water
• 12 oz. evaporated milk can
• 1 ¾ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by adding the elbow macaroni, butter, nutmeg, salt, chicken stock, and water to the Instant Pot. Make sure the ingredients are well combined. The butter will melt beautifully during cooking, adding richness to the dish.
• Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “sealing” position. This step is crucial for building up pressure, which will cook the pasta perfectly.
• Press the “manual” or “pressure cook” button, adjusting the timer to 5 minutes. Your Instant Pot will take about 7 minutes to build pressure before it starts cooking.
• When the timer goes off, press the “cancel/off” button. Allow the pot to sit for one minute to let the pressure release slightly, then switch the valve to quickly release the remaining pressure. Be sure to stand back and open the lid carefully, away from your face, to avoid steam burns.
• Stir the macaroni with a wooden spoon, noticing how perfectly it’s cooked. The pasta should be tender yet firm, providing a delightful texture.
• Add the evaporated milk to the pot. Stir well to combine with the pasta, creating a creamy base for your cheese.
• Gradually add the cheddar cheese, half a cup at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. This method ensures that the cheese incorporates evenly and prevents clumping.
• Add the mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until you reach the desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of cheese based on how cheesy you want your dish to be.
• Finally, season with black pepper, giving it a final stir. The black pepper adds a hint of spice that complements the rich flavors of the cheese.
• Your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or transfer it to a baking dish for a crispy breadcrumb topping if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can use Gruyere cheese in place of mozzarella cheese.
• Tip 2: I prefer the mild cheddar in mac and cheese because I find the sharp cheddar too chalky for my taste. Feel free to use what you like.
• Tip 3: Add ½ cup of cheese at a time until you reach desired consistency.
• Tip 4: To jazz it up, you can add steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, corn, carrots, and peas or shredded cooked chicken or ground cooked turkey.

Keyword cheesy pasta dish, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

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Meet Natalie Cole

I’m Natalie! I appreciate simple, honest food that nourishes the soul without requiring hours of effort. I’m always looking for smart shortcuts that save time but never sacrifice quality or taste. I cooked and photographed this meal right here in our kitchen, capturing every step to show you that a beautiful, cozy dinner is completely within reach.