Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Get ready for the best Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!
Since I got my Instant Pot, I’ve discovered it’s really good for making comfort food – those warm, cozy dishes that used to take all day to cook. After using it for my favorite beef stew and for corned beef and cabbage, I decided it was time to put this thing to a real test. I wanted to use the Instant Pot to make the most classic comfort food of them all, mac and cheese.
Well, I don’t mind telling you, this wasn’t that easy. I had to do a little tinkering to get the amounts and the timing just right. But at last, I finally came up with a version that delivers truly perfect mac and cheese: rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting.
Email Me This Recipe!
Need to save time? Have this article emailed straight to your inbox + sign up for all the latest recipes!
The key turns out to be using a combination of different cheeses, plus milk and BUTTER. That way, all you have to do is cook the pasta with seasonings in the Instant Pot, let off the steam, and then stir in the rest of the ingredients. The heat of the pasta is enough to melt the cheeses and cream together into a perfect, creamy sauce in no time.
With this Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, you can go from dry pasta to rich, cozy mac and cheese in just 10 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to mix up instant mac and cheese from a box – and this stuff is soooooo much better.
Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Directions:
- Place the dry pasta, butter, garlic salt, salt, dry mustard and water into the IP cooker pot. Place the lid on the top and seal the toggle switch. Press manual (high) and timer for 4 minutes.
- When cooking time is complete, do a quick release and remove the lid when the pin drops.
- Keeping the pressure cooking on low heat (the Instant Pot will automatically go into this warm mode after cooking) Add the evaporated milk, and half the cheeses. Melt the cheeses by stirring, and when the first batch of cheese is melted, add the second half.
- Test for seasoning and add more salt (and pepper) if you prefer. Remove mac and cheese from heat source and let rest for about 5 mins to let the sauce thicken.
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS CREAMY INSTANT POT MAC AND CHEESE
Instant Pot: This 6qt Instant Pot pressure cooker is always my go to!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Each cup’s “ml” and cup sizes have
Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Email this recipe!
Get this recipe emailed straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups water
- 5 oz can evaporated milk
- 3 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place the dry pasta, butter, garlic salt, salt, dry mustard and water into the IP cooker pot. Place the lid on the top and seal the toggle switch. Press manual (high) and timer for 4 minutes.
- When cooking time is complete, do a quick release and remove the lid when the pin drops.
- Keeping the pressure cooking on low heat (the Instant Pot will automatically go into this warm mode after cooking) Add the evaporated milk, and half the cheeses. Melt the cheeses by stirring, and when the first batch of cheese is melted, add the second half.
- Test for seasoning and add more salt (and pepper) if you prefer. Remove mac and cheese from heat source and let rest for about 5 mins to let the sauce thicken.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to share it with me below!
LOOKING FOR MORE INSTANT POT FAMILY MEALS?
- Instant Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe – my kids requests this every week!
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta – perfect for Taco Tuesday
- Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage – not just for St. Patricks Day
- Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken – fan and family favorite!
- Instant Pot Goulash – a classic
Post updated December 12, 2019
This is awesome every time! Any tips on heating up the leftovers?
We usually just pop it in the oven or the microwave 🙂
Yum! Made this tonight I was a little worried when some of the reviews said it was watery but I did what one said and stirred it a bit. It came out so good. Thank you for sharing.
I made this last night. My hubby said it was the best Mac and cheese he has ever had. It tasted great but was very stringy. Any idea how to make it without that happening?
Made this today family loved it! Mine wasn’t watery at all. Homemade taste in time of a box 🙂 thanks for recipe!
So happy you loved it Miranda!
I have not tried this as yet as I just bought my Instant Pot. Mac and cheese is the reason I bought my pot. I am concerned about some of the comments about the water because I read the recipe and thought is excessive to leave and just add the cheeses and then more liquid ( milk). Well I am trying it today. I always follow the recipe to the T when I first make it so hear goes, wish me luck and I will let you know my rating and thoughts tomorrow!
I hope you loved it Reba!