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A super quick and delicious recipe for creamy homemade mac ‘n cheese made in the instant pot in just 15 minutes. Childhood nostalgia, here we come!
Can we talk about mac ’n cheese for a minute?
It’s the ultimate nostalgic-childhood-comfort food. It’s something we probably all know how to make (yes, even those of us who seem to have been skipped over when they were handing out the cooking glands). It’s something we all love.
Here’s the thing you didn’t know – it’s SUPER MEGA EASY to make it from scratch! Yep, no cheese packet required. It gets even better. You can make this in your Instant Pot
(affiliate link) in under 10 minutes.
Just cook the noodles for 4 minutes with water + butter + spices, then stir in the cheese and milk. Mac ‘n cheese – ultra easy, grown-up style.
Mind. Blown.
It’s even – dare I say – a healthier version of our favorite comfort food. (I mean, come on, we do have whole wheat noodles in there.) Add some steamed broccoli to your bowl of this amazing mac and it basically feels like Noodles & Co. is catering dinner right to your kitchen table. Plus, you’re getting in your dose of green foods. This quick roasted cauliflower would make for a great side here, too!
Kid-approved mac gets an adult remix. Enjoy this for all the cold days ahead. And don’t forget to sprinkle that SAGE GOODNESS on top. A ‘lil pepper too.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Love:
- Instant Pot Beef Stew – Saucy homestyle goodness! You must serve with crusty bread.
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork – Easy shredded pork in no time! It’s perfect for nachos, sandwiches, or taco bowls!
- Instant Pot Salsa Chicken – Perfect for meal prep – this is fast, easy, healthy, and versatile! Use it to make nachos, salads, burritos, burrito bowls, and more.
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Instant Pot Mac 'n Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole wheat elbow noodles
- 4 tbsp butter, cut into chunks
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- pepper, to taste
- 3/4 tsp rubbed sage, Optional, but adds an amazing flavor!
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese - we recommend a combo of Cheddar and Monterrey Jack), *See recipe note
Instructions
- A note about using your Instant Pot: Always follow the directions included with your Instant Pot/other brand of pressure cooker when using. Never place food directly into the Instant Pot casing - always use the metal liner that it comes with! Make sure your vent is set to "sealing" before cooking anything. Your pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before it starts counting down your cook time.
- Make the Mac 'n Cheese: Add the pasta, water, butter (cut into chunks), salt, and garlic powder to the Instant Pot. Cook for 4 minutes on manual (high pressure). Immediately release steam when finished cooking. If you've had issues with things spraying out of your valve before, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes first, then manually let out the last little bit of steam. Stir the cheese and milk right into the pot with the noodles. Add the sage and pepper, if using (which you should because it’s delicious). Add more milk or cheese depending on how saucy or thick you like your mac. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Store: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk into your bowl of mac before microwaving - it helps to get things nice and saucy again.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
*smoked gouda + havarti
Easy & perfect! Thanks!
Thanks, Nina!
I did it exactly as the instructions said but it came out soupy. Too much water content.
Hi Tammy,
Hmm I’m not sure why it would turn out like that – it hasn’t happened to me any of the times I’ve made this. I’ll have to re-test and see if there’s something I can tweak. Thanks for your comment!
When it says “add pasta”, does that mean cook the pasta first and then add it or do you put uncooked pasta into Instant Pot?
Hi Terri! Sorry that was a bit unclear – add the uncooked pasta to the Instant Pot. I’ll update the directions so it’s more clear! Enjoy ❤️?
It’s delicious! Family approved. Making it for the second time! Thanks!
So glad you like it! 🙂
I have a different brand of pressure cooker. Mine doesn’t have a “manual” button. What pressure setting is manual, would it be high pressure?
Thanks! It looks delicious!
Yes – it would be high pressure! 🙂 Hope you love it!
Yay! Trying this one tonight
Hooray! 🙂