5.0 from 15 votes
Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese is an easy one-pot pasta recipe the whole family will love!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 496 kcal
Course:
Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups reduced-salt chicken broth
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 pound skinless chicken breast cubed
- 1 1/2 tablespoon butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add the chicken broth, macaroni, chicken, butter, onion powder, Italian Seasoning, and salt into the Instant Pot insert without mixing. Make sure the pasta is submerged.
- Place lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, select pressure cook / manual high pressure, set the timer for 4 minutes, and cook until done.
- Allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) of 5 minutes and then do a Quick Pressure Release (cover the vent as the liquid will spurt), then open the lid.
- Check the liquid (as chicken sometimes releases a lot of liquid) and scoop some out if there is too much.
- Quickly mix in the cheese, warm milk, and cream, stirring until melted.
- Adjust seasonings as needed, add any toppings or mix-ins, and serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use reduced-sodium vegetable broth instead of just water.
- Keep the time under pressure to 4 minutes, any longer than that you will probably end up with mushy pasta.
- Use store-bought shredded or grated cheese to save some time on this meal.
- You don't need two different types of cheese. Use one if that is what you have, or change out the kind of cheese to suit your taste.
- Cooking time does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
- Store – Refrigerate for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Calories
496kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
46g
(15%)
Protein
26g
(52%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
14g
(70%)
Cholesterol
86mg
(29%)
Sodium
366mg
(15%)
Potassium
386mg
(11%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
698IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
338mg
(34%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 496
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 496kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 366mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 386mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 698IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 338mg | 34% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.