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Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a quick and convenient comfort food made entirely in one pot. This recipe delivers tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family meals. Customizable and kid-friendly, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a luscious, velvety dish that satisfies cravings year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cooking Liquid
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water or broth
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add Pasta and Liquid: Pour the elbow macaroni into the Instant Pot along with water or broth. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged for even cooking; scrape the bottom lightly to avoid any burn warnings.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release the pressure immediately once cooking finishes to keep the pasta from overcooking.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: After releasing pressure, stir in butter and milk to the hot pasta. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give the mac and cheese a final stir, then serve piping hot for maximum creaminess.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded to ensure smooth melting and no clumps.
- Always quick release pressure after cooking to prevent mushy pasta.
- Butter is essential for creamy texture and prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.
- Adjust liquid amount to achieve desired sauce thickness; add more milk when melting cheese if too thick.
- Stir gently and continuously after adding cheese to help it melt evenly and avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg