Go Back
To make Instant Pot Creamy Mac & Cheese, you need a few key ingredients: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 4 cups water - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) These ingredients will create a rich and cheesy meal that is sure to please everyone. You can add some fun extras to make your mac and cheese even better: - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor - Chopped green onions for a fresh bite - Diced tomatoes for a pop of color and taste - Hot sauce for a spicy kick Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your tastes. If you need to swap out some ingredients, here are some easy ideas: - Use penne or shells instead of elbow macaroni. - Swap out cheddar or mozzarella for your favorite cheese. - Try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option. - Substitute vegetable broth for water to add more flavor. These changes can help you customize your dish to fit what you have on hand or your dietary needs. First, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 4 cups water - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) Now, measure everything out. This makes cooking easy and fun. Add the elbow macaroni, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook button. Set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure. After the timer goes off, do a quick release. Carefully turn the valve to venting. Open the lid and stir the macaroni. This breaks up any clumps that formed. Next, add the butter, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese to the pot. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir well until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy. If you want it thicker, select the Sauté function. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes while stirring. Serve hot and top with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese! One common mistake is not adding enough water. The pasta needs enough water to cook well. If you add too little, it can burn. Another mistake is not sealing the lid properly. Always check that the valve is set to sealing. If it's not, steam will escape, and the pasta won’t cook right. To get a great cheese blend, use different types of cheese. I love mixing cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar gives rich flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Make sure to shred your cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can make it clump. For the best melt, add the cheese slowly after cooking. Using an Instant Pot makes cooking easy. It saves time and effort. A good wooden spoon is great for stirring. A measuring cup helps you add water and cheese accurately. Finally, a heat-resistant spatula can help you scrape the pot clean. These tools make your mac & cheese prep smooth and fun! {{image_2}} You can make mac & cheese your own by adding fun ingredients. Try cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory touch. You could also mix in some broccoli or spinach for extra greens. For spice lovers, jalapeños or hot sauce can add heat. Just stir these add-ins in after the cheese melts. You will love how these flavors blend! Making this dish gluten-free is easy. Just swap out elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Cook it the same way in the Instant Pot. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and butter. Coconut cream can replace cream cheese for a rich taste. These swaps keep the creamy texture while catering to your needs. The cheese you choose can change the flavor a lot. Cheddar is a classic, but mix it up! Try Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Gouda adds smokiness, while blue cheese packs a punch. You can also use a mix of cheeses for depth. Just remember to keep the total amount the same to maintain creaminess! To store your creamy mac & cheese, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for best results. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty. Place it in the fridge if you want to eat it in a few days. Your mac & cheese will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Add a splash of milk to help keep it creamy. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. If using the stove, add the mac & cheese to a pan. Stir in a little milk and warm it over low heat. This method will keep it nice and creamy. If you want to save your mac & cheese for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best taste. It takes about 4 minutes to cook mac & cheese in the Instant Pot. First, you add the elbow macaroni, water, and salt to the pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Then, press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set it for 4 minutes. After cooking, do a quick release by turning the valve to venting. This makes a creamy and tasty dish fast! Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in this recipe. If you use whole wheat pasta, the cooking time may stay the same. For gluten-free pasta, check the package for the right cooking time. It might cook faster or slower. Just keep an eye on it to get the best texture. The best cheese for Instant Pot mac & cheese is sharp cheddar. It melts well and gives great flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for creaminess. Cream cheese adds a nice touch too. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a twist. To sum up, I covered key ingredients for creamy mac & cheese, from essentials to options. I shared easy steps to cook it perfectly in your Instant Pot. You learned tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. I also included fun variations and smart storage methods. With these insights, you can create a dish that delights everyone. Enjoy the process of making this classic comfort food your own. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Creamy Mac & Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Delight Mac & Cheese recipe! Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy and cheesy dish uses a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. Click through to discover the simple steps and elevate your dinner game with this delicious mac and cheese that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions
 

Add the elbow macaroni, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.

    Select the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure.

      Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting.

        Open the lid and stir the macaroni to break up any clumps.

          Add the butter, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the pot.

            Stir well until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is creamy.

              If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can select the Sauté function and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring.

                Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

                  Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4