Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – This macaroni and cheese is every family’s favorite comfort food pasta recipe made easy in the Instant Pot! You can have creamy, mouthwatering, homemade mac and cheese for dinner in about 10 minutes!
Have I mentioned lately that I’m kind of in love with my Instant Pot? Although, I do love our classic Baked Mac and Cheese too! If you have been following me on Instagram you’ll know that I’ve documented my daily trials and errors using the thing. I was so skeptical of even getting one in the first place, and now, it’s pretty much all I want to use for cooking at all! It takes a lot of the in-between steps out of making simple recipes. Like this mac and cheese, the pasta cooks in just enough liquid, with no need to drain! If you’re looking for more amazing Instant Pot dinners definitely try out this Instant Pot Jambalaya it’s out of this world!!
My family absolutely LOVED this macaroni and cheese. Well, I did too. The flavor was absolutely perfect and it was super creamy, just like a good mac should be.
I made this recipe in my 8 quart Instant Pot, and it will definitely work just fine if you have a 6 quart as well. It makes a whole lot by the way. Yay for leftovers!
There was enough for my family of four to eat this as a main dish with a side salad for supper. Then, my kids took some for lunch in their thermos to school the next day. Even after that we had enough left to use up as a side dish later in the week!
How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese:
- For the best flavor, I recommend using chicken broth as your cooking liquid. I used low sodium chicken broth. If you don’t have low sodium, leave out the extra addition of salt, then salt as needed when serving.
- Use seasoning! I add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce to this before cooking. Don’t worry, the hot sauce does not make this spicy at all. It just adds an additional layer of flavor that’s amazing.
- Use a combination of cheeses for the best taste. I use a mixture of sharp cheddar, mozzarella. When you add the cheese, make sure to stir continuously so that it all melts in really well and you aren’t left with clumps.
- Don’t use canned milk. I used regular 2% milk, and I recommend that or whole milk for best results. Most of the recipes I saw for Instant Pot mac and cheese used evaporated milk which I am not a fan of at all.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 -1 Cup Milk
Instructions
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Place the lid on the pot and set to sealing. Cook on manual function, high pressure for 5 minutes. Then, do a quick release.
- Add the milk, then the cheese to the pot in 3-4 handfuls, stirring in between each addition until smooth and creamy. Season as necessary to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Looking for other great Instant Pot recipes? Try these:
I made this for the 2nd time today. Just as delicious as the 1st. My kids love love love macncheese. I have tried every which way and this is the best. It is by far the fastest and easiest. Never have I been able to get such a creamy texture. Thank you for this delucious recipe.
I really don’t like mac and cheese but this is the best I ever tasted…..
So good, so creamy and flavorful. Definitely my favorite homemade mac & cheese
One of our absolute favorites! I have added anything from rotisserie chicken to kielbasa too it and everyone loves it!!!!
Hi! I was wondering can I double this and ratios would stay the same?
I am wondering the same thing. I don’t want to do a trial and error and have to toss ingredients if it doesn’t work. Hopefully we get an answer 🤞
I have doubled this and it turns out just as great.
I would assume you can. Next to the ingredients there are 3 buttons (1x,2x,3x), I just clicked on the 2x. Making right now.
I used about 1/4 cup less liquid for my pasta-alternative and it came out beautifully! Great recipe!
Pasta alternative?? I am trying to find out if gf noodles will work? What was your pasta alternative?
So good and so easy. I used sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. The kids devoured this in 5 minutes.
We really like this recipe and are happy with how quickly it comes together. It’s so customizable. It’s a great and fast alternative to making a roux. We’re looking forward to trying more recipes.
Absolutely perfect! Thank you! I share this recipe with anyone I know that has an Instant Pot.
This recipe was ok. I just thought it didn’t taste as cheesy as Mac and Cheese should. To me the chicken broth taste was too overwhelming.
I always do 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups water, and a little extra hot sauce.