This Instant Pot mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy, homemade comfort food favorite we love. It’s so simple and easy to make from scratch and comes together super fast thanks to the Instant Pot.
Need more dinner inspiration? Check out these other favorites! We love this Instant Pot pot roast and Instant Pot lasagna. This bacon mac and cheese is always a winner. You won’t want to miss this classic chili mac either! Don’t have an instant pot? Make this crockpot mac and cheese instead!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the kind of comfort food that is always sure to hit the spot. Our family loves this easy twist on a Southern, old-fashioned classic, made in an Instant Pot.
It’s absolutely delicious with tender pasta and lots of cheesy goodness. It’s so creamy and yummy!
I love how fast it is to make with a little help from the Instant Pot. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when we want a hot, tasty meal but don’t have much time to make dinner.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Ingredients you will need:
- 1 16-ounce box uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, fresh grated
- 8 ounces Monterey cheese, fresh grated
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, fresh grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fresh chopped parsley for garnish
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute the chicken broth for water plus ½ teaspoon salt.
I’ve seen a lot of different variations on this quick dinner. Some folks make it with sour cream or with cream cheese or heavy cream. You could serve it with chicken, broccoli or with bacon. No matter what, you’ll declare this Instant Pot macaroni and cheese super delish.
This creamy version is our favorite. With extra sharp cheddar and Parmesan, all made in one pot, we think it’s the best.
How to Cook Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Combine uncooked noodles, broth, butter and garlic powder in your Instant Pot. Place and lock the lid.
Set valve to sealing.
Press Manual Mode twice to turn off keep warm function.
Set to High Pressure for 4 minutes.
Perform Quick Release as soon as the cycle is complete.
Pour in milk, then add cheeses and paprika.
Stir continually until cheese is totally melted and incorporated.
Add salt and pepper to your liking — and serve HOT!
You can also add fresh chopped parsley for garnish if you’d like.
How Do You Reheat instant pot Mac and Cheese?
If you have leftovers — which don’t always happen for us 😉 — it’s simple to reheat and serve again.
As mac and cheese sits, the starches in the noodles dry out the dish. To combat this, you should add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
The rule of thumb is about a tablespoon of milk for every one cup of mac and cheese you’re reheating.
What Should I Serve with Macaroni and Cheese?
One of my favorite parts of this Instant Pot mac and cheese is that everything comes together in one pot, making it a simple meal to prep and serve.
I like to serve it along with a fresh, crisp salad, steamed veggies, broccoli, or a tangy slaw salad.
Of course, you can also add in meat to your meal if you’d like the extra protein. Naturally, chicken is a favorite for us but you can also add hamburger.
This Instant Pot mac and cheese is creamy comfort food at it’s best — you’ll love it!
More Recipes to Try
- 19 Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- 23 Slow Cooker Meals
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Little Smokies
- Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce box uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese fresh grated
- 8 ounces monterey cheese fresh grated
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese fresh grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine uncooked noodles, broth, butter and garlic powder in Instant Pot
- Place and lock lid
- Set valve to sealing
- Press Manual Mode twice to turn off keep warm function
- Set to High Pressure for 4 minutes
- Perform Quick Release as soon as the cycle is complete
- Pour in milk
- Add cheeses and paprika
- Stir continually until cheese is totally melted and incorporated
- Add salt and pepper to your liking
- Serve HOT!
YUMMY!!! I absolutely love that is for the instant pot!!!!
Something new to try in my Instant Pot! Pinning!