Super creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese brings sharp cheese, white cheddar, and Parmesan together with elbow macaroni into the creamiest and quickest family-friendly side dish ever. This dish is on the table is less than twenty minutes and is easy enough for your tweens to make.
Skip the boxed mac and cheese and treat yourself to the real deal. Believe me when I tell you that your family will be singing your accolades.
How to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Start by combing the elbow macaroni, chicken broth, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in the instant pot. Lock the lid into place and pressure cook on high-pressure manual for 4 minutes. Quick, release the steam.
Remove the lid and stir in the butter until melted. Gently stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese a handful at a time so the cheese melts. Continue to gently stir until all the cheese is melted, for best results, serve promptly.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- In a pinch, you could substitute water for your cooking liquid, but the chicken broth really contributes to the overall flavor.
- Things move fast with this, so stay focused. Grate the cheese while the elbows are cooking and have it ready to go.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Or add a little seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add some veggies like steamed broccoli or cauliflower.
- Top with crisp bacon or pickled jalapenos.
- This mac and cheese is best served fairly promptly while the cheese sauce is creamy and melted. You can keep it in the instant pot on warm but remember sooner rather than later.
- Feel free to change the cheese up. Any cheese that melts well and it is not too stretchy, like mozzarella. Mozzarella cheese is good in some baked mac and cheese but not so much in an instant pot. Please see below for more cheese options.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cheese Variations
- Pepper Jack Cheese – is a white semi-hard cheese with habanero chilies, garlic, and jalapenos. It adds a little kick to your mac and cheese.
- Gruyere – is a firm yellow Swiss cheese. It is that amazing melted and browned cheese on French Onion Soup.
- Fontina – is a semi-soft rich, and creamy cheese with a buttery and nutty flavor.
- Smoked Gouda – is a semi-hard yellow cheese with a gentle smoked flavor and a creamy, buttery texture.
- Monterey Jack – is a white semi-hard cheese with a mild flavor and excellent melting properties.
More pasta recipes you will love!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the elbow macaroni, chicken broth, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in the instant pot. Lock the lid into place and pressure cook on high pressure manual for 4 minutes. Quick release the steam.
- Stir in the butter until melted. Gently stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese about 1/2 cup at a time so the cheese melts.
- Continue to gently stir until all the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For best results serve promptly.
Notes
- In a pinch you could substitute water but the chicken broth really contributes to the overall flavor.
- Things move fast with this so stay focused. Grate the cheese while the elbows are cooking and have it ready to go.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Or add a little seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce.
- This mac and cheese is best served fairly promptly. You can keep it in the instant pot on warm but remember sooner rather than later.
- Feel free to change the cheese up. Any cheese that melts well and it is not too stretchy like mozzarella. Mozzarella is good in some baked mac and cheese but not so much in an instant pot. Please see below for more cheese options.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Gladys Nava
One of my favorite foods! This was so delicious and easy. I can’t wait to make it again.
Melanie williams
LOVE this dish and you had me as soon as you said that it was a instant pot recipe makes life much easier x
Christian Foremost
Wow!!! Super simple and easy recipe i could make with ingredient i have now! Totally despise the kraft mac and cheese. This ones look absolutely delicious!
Elizabeth O
Wow. You can make a creamy, mouthwatering, homemade mac and cheese for dinner in about 10 minutes! This is amazing
Heather
I had no idea you could make mac and cheese in the instant pot. Totally going to try this!
Chikumo
Glad I came over this post! Thanks for the recipe! I am thinking of cooking something and now I will definitely try to make this over the weekend since my sister will be with me.
Beti
I love how easy and delicious this is! I can’t wait to try it!
katerina
My kids would be so happy with this mac and cheese!! Looks delicious!
Erin
This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese looks incredibly delicious!
Erik
So easy! Love being able to make a big serving of this for dinner.
Maria
Chicken broth does well instead of the usual water, it added more flavor! Easy recipe for someone busy as me.
Tara
Ooooh I love all the cheese packed into the pasta. It comes together so easily too in the instant pot! Yum!
Sara
What a quick and unique way to make Mac and cheese! Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table; perfect for busy weeknights too!
Traci
Love love love this IP mac and cheese! It’s so easy, hands free, and always delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Dixon
This mac and cheese is total comfort food! The blend of cheeses gives it the best flavor, and the Instant Pot really makes for one convenient and easy meal.
Jamie
This looks so delicious and easy to make! I love how it can be made in no time with the instant pot too! My family will love this!