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Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is hearty, comforting, and ready in less than 20 minutes. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time, it's creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make! #macaroniandcheese #macncheese #instantpotrecipes #instantpotmacaroniandcheese #instantpotmacandcheese #instantpotmacncheese #sidedish #creamymacandcheese #thanksgiving #dinner

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Print Recipe
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is hearty, comforting, and ready in less than 20 minutes. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword instant pot recipe, instant pot side dish, macaroni and cheese recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 492
Author Gayle

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) dry elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth OR water  (or a combination of both)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into chunks
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½-1 cup milk any kind (or heavy cream for richness)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Add macaroni, chicken broth/water, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to Instant Pot. Stir to combine. 
  • Cover, place into lock position, and make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Cook on high pressure (press the manual button to set time) for 5 minutes. **Remember that it will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure and then the time will start counting down.**
  • When timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position and letting steam release until the pin drops. I like to place a folded kitchen towel over the valve so that it catches the steam.
  • Remove the lid and stir. Then, add ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Repeat by adding ½ cup of cheese at a time and stirring until melted. If more liquid is needed, add an additional ½ cup of milk. Taste and add more salt and/or pepper, if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Chicken broth or water can be used to cook the noodles. Chicken broth will enhance the flavor, but water will still give you delicious results.
  • If you use another pasta shape other than elbow macaroni, you may need to adjust the liquid to cook it in.
  • Although you can use the bagged shredded cheese, shredding your own cheese results in a creamier texture.
  • See more tips and tricks for making this Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese above the recipe box.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 412IU | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 2mg