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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
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Creamy, effortless Instant Pot Mac and Cheese that combines tender elbow macaroni with a smooth, velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for quick weekday dinners or feeding a crowd, this one-pot recipe delivers rich flavor and a luscious creamy texture in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 2 1/2 cups water or broth
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Add the Pasta and Liquid: Pour the dry elbow macaroni into the Instant Pot. Add water or broth just enough to cover the pasta completely; this liquid will cook the pasta perfectly under pressure.
  2. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 4 to 5 minutes. This short cooking time ensures the pasta is tender but not mushy.
  3. Quick Release and Open: Perform a quick pressure release to stop cooking immediately. Open the lid carefully once the pressure has fully released.
  4. Stir in Butter, Milk, and Cheese: Immediately add softened butter, milk or cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir vigorously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Instant Pot Mac and Cheese hot for the best creamy experience.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for bold, tangy flavor that melts beautifully.
  • Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that affect melting.
  • Always perform a quick release to prevent the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • Stir vigorously right after cooking to create a silky, creamy texture.
  • Add milk gradually to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Quick Dinner, Creamy Macaroni, Kid Friendly

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/