Name: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Dinner Recipes
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups shredded cheese; 1 cup milk; salt and pepper

Print the Recipe

Do you love the creamy goodness of mac and cheese? This recipe makes it easy by adapting your favorite comfort food to the Instant Pot. Instant Pot Mac and cheese is quick, simple, and wholesome. Not to mention delicious!

Pin showing finished Mac and cheese with title in the middle.

Who doesn’t love coming home to a steamy bowl of hot macaroni and cheese? Let’s face it; it’s the ultimate comfort food. Melty cheese combined with tender noodles is enough to please even the pickiest palates.

One of the best things about this dish is that it is super versatile. You can even vary cooking methods by making Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese.

Are you feeling pressed for time?

If you are feeling p rested for time you can use this Instant Pot macaroni and cheese as a main course. Simply throw a veggie on the side, and you can have a meal in minutes!

We keep frozen vegetables on hand so we can heat them up quickly in the microwave to eat with meals like this!

Want something more?

If you want something more with your Mac and cheese you can always add it on as a side dish and make an ordinary meal extra special. I personally love it with baked fish or chicken.

Finished Instant Pot Mac and cheese recipe.

I think this indulgent pasta dish really does well with a lighter protein option and steamed veggies of any kind!

So what’s so great about this Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese?

Well, I’m glad you asked. Two things actually.

First, the chicken broth. Infusing the noodles with all that chicken broth goodness takes things to a whole new level of deliciousness. That’s one thing I love about the Instant Pot, it magically locks in those flavors and brings food to a whole new level.

Second, using this Instant Pot makes this meal super quick. With this handy kitchen gadget you can cook your noodles in a flash.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Noodles in the Instant Pot can seem a bit scary right? They don’t have to be though. Just follow these simple instructions, and you will get perfect, tender noodles.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese ready to eat.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese:

Before we start let’s talk ingredients. There are tons of fancy macaroni and cheese recipes out there, but I believe simple is best — no hunting down fancy cheese or pasta shapes for this one!

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup milk
salt and pepper

See! There is just ordinary items that you can find in an average grocery store. The magic here is in the recipe!

another pin showing Mac and Cheese ready to eat with title in the middle.

So now, how do you make Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese?

First, you want to prepare the noodles. The Instant Pot makes this a snap.

Once you bring these to pressure they only take four minutes. Seriously, macaroni and cheese in the microwave can take almost that long.

At the end of the cooking time, you will want to use the quick release method here.

This way your noodles stay in their perfect state. From here it’s super simple to complete this dish. Simply stir in the butter. Don’t be stingy with the butter. This recipe is comfort food after all.

Gorgeous shot of the finished Mac and cheese recipe.

Once the butter is all melted, you will want to add in the cheese and milk. Stir it all together until it’s melty and delicious. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper to taste.

There you have it; the ultimate comfort food finished in minutes. What are you waiting for? Try out the Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese today!

Directions for Instant Pot Mac and Cheese:

Place pasta and broth into instant pot. Mix well. Place the lid onto the instant pot and seal shut.
Close pressure release valve.
Set instant pot to manual, high pressure for 4 minutes. When cooking cycle is complete, quick release pressure.
Open pot and carefully stir in butter untilmelted.
Stir in cheese until melted and milk and stir well.
Season with salt and pepper.

How much does this Mac and cheese recipe make?

This recipe serves four! You can double the recipe without having to change the cooking time! I love to make a double batch of this recipe so we have some leftovers for quick lunches, dinner on the go, and more.

Top down view of the Instant pot macaroni and cheese recipe finished and ready to eat.

Printable Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe:

Yield: 4 Servings

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup milk
salt and pepper

Instructions

Place pasta and broth into instant pot. Mix well. Place the lid onto the instant pot and seal shut.
Close pressure release valve.
Set instant pot to manual, high pressure for 4 minutes.
When cooking cycle is complete, quick release pressure.
Open pot and carefully stir in butter untilmelted.
Stir in cheese until melted and milk and stir well.
Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 408Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 983mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 19g

I am not a medical expert. These calculations are provided as a courtesy.