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4.6 from 48 votes

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Easy and tasty 5 ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the creamy, cheesy pasta of your dreams done in half the time. It makes a great, comforting side on cold days and busy days and basically any day you're feeling a mac and cheese craving. 

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 694 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 5 cups macaroni noodles or small shells
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons salt more to taste, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream OR fat free half and half OR whole milk
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In your Instant Pot/pressure cooker, combine uncooked noodles, water, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Put the lid on and slide it into the locked position. Turn the vent to the SEALED position, and set the pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 5 minutes.
  3. Turn the valve to VENT position and remove the lid once the float valve drops.
  4. Drain excess water from the pot, then stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and the cheese and stir gently until cheese is completely melted.
  5. Add remaining salt and pepper, taste, and add more as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For richer, creamier mac and cheese, use the heavy cream. 
  • For best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese, not pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a powder coating that prevents it from sticking together in the bag, but also keeps it from melting as smoothly. For the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce be sure to grate the cheese yourself - it's worth it!

Nutrition Information

Calories 694kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 101g (34%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 50mg (17%) Sodium 314mg (13%) Potassium 414mg (12%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 521IU (10%) Calcium 411mg (41%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 694

% Daily Value*

Calories 694kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 101g 34%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 314mg 13%
Potassium 414mg 9%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 521IU 10%
Calcium 411mg 41%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.