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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

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A quick and easy creamy homemade mac and cheese made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a comforting dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 oz or 225 g)
  • 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (600 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz or 225 g)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz or 115 g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (240 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and set aside. Measure out elbow macaroni, water or broth, and other ingredients.
  2. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot insert. Pour in 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the liquid just covers the pasta.
  3. Place 2 tablespoons unsalted butter on top of the pasta, then add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard if using.
  4. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 4 minutes at high pressure.
  5. Perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting carefully.
  6. Open the lid and gently stir the pasta to distribute butter and seasoning.
  7. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk, then gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash more milk.
  9. Serve immediately. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltability and texture. Quick release pressure to avoid overcooking pasta. Adjust liquid amount carefully to prevent mushy or dry pasta. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly. For dairy-free, substitute dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, mac and cheese, creamy, easy dinner, comfort food, homemade, cheddar, mozzarella

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/instant-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-creamy-homemade-dinner-guide/