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creamy instant pot mac and cheese - featured image

Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

  • Author: zack
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy homemade comfort food made in the Instant Pot, delivering creamy, perfectly cooked mac and cheese with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 ½ cups), uncooked
  • 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (600 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams)
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (240 ml), room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Measure and prepare ingredients: Gather elbow macaroni, water or broth, butter, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, milk, and seasonings.
  2. Add pasta and liquid to Instant Pot: Pour macaroni and water or broth into the Instant Pot. Ensure pasta is evenly submerged but do not stir.
  3. Pressure cook: Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
  4. Quick release: Carefully perform a quick pressure release when cooking time is up.
  5. Add butter and cheeses: Open the lid, add butter, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Close lid for 1-2 minutes if cheese isn’t fully melted.
  6. Mix in milk and seasonings: Pour in milk, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and silky. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Final stir and serve: Stir well to combine everything. Sauce should be glossy and thick, clinging to macaroni.
  8. Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. If pasta sticks slightly, stir and add a little extra butter.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality. Quick pressure release is essential to prevent overcooking. Softened cream cheese ensures a silky smooth sauce. For a crunchy topping, add toasted breadcrumbs and broil briefly. Substitute gluten-free pasta and dairy-free products for dietary needs.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 15

Keywords: Instant Pot, mac and cheese, creamy, comfort food, quick recipe, easy dinner, cheddar cheese, pressure cooker

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/creamy-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/