Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

User Reviews

5

20 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Additional Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    574 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

This Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese uses elbow macaroni cooked in flavorful chicken stock combined with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, butter, and milk for a creamy, smooth texture. Seasoned with mustard, salt, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes, it offers a mildly tangy and slightly spicy cheese sauce. Garnishes like peas or bacon pieces add contrast and make it a filling, satisfying dish.

Description

The recipe cooks macaroni noodles under pressure in a mixture of chicken stock, mustard, and spices, infusing the pasta with flavor from the start. After cooking and pressure release, butter, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and milk are stirred in to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly. The balance of sharp cheddar and mild Monterey Jack provides depth without overpowering the dish while mustard and pepper flakes add a subtle kick.

The preparation is straightforward and well-suited for an Instant Pot, minimizing hands-on time while producing tender pasta with a rich cheese sauce. Garnishing with steamed peas or crispy bacon pieces introduces texture and additional flavor layers. Served immediately, it makes for an indulgent meal or side dish.

I Made This!

2 people made this

Save this

8 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings
  • 16 oz. elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups chicken stock can use vegetable stock to make this recipe vegetarian
  • 1 tablespoon mustard stoneground
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup milk I used 2%
  • 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
  • 1 cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted

Garnishes

  • pea steamed
  • bacon pieces

Instructions

  1. First and foremost, shred your cheeses if they’re not already shredded.
  2. Add the chicken stock, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes to the basin of the Instant Pot. Stir until combined.
  3. Add the macaroni noodles and give them a stir.
  4. Close the lid, and set the valve to seal. Set on manual for 5 minutes.
  5. When the cooking is complete, quick release the pressure.
  6. Once the pressure has completely released, remove the lid carefully.
  7. Stir in the butter, cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is creamy.
  8. Serve immediately with garnishes like peas or bacon pieces (or by itself because it’s delicious alone!), and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1g Calories 574kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Polyunsaturated Fat 12g (71%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 107mg (36%) Sodium 999mg (42%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 574 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 574kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 38g 58%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12g 71%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 999mg 42%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

20 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Irish
5.0 (639 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Italian
5.0 (108 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Filipino Adobo Chicken

Filipino
5.0 (84 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)