time saving meal prep system

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

If you love comfort food like mac and cheese, this Instant Pot mac and cheese will be your next go-to recipe! It is so quick and easy, with only 4 minutes cook time in the Instant Pot, you won’t want to buy the boxed stuff ever again!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Growing up, my aunt made the BEST Mac and cheese. It was super creamy and flavorful, and this Instant Pot Mac and cheese is the closest thing I have found to her recipe! Unlike my aunt’s recipe, which had to be cooked on the stovetop and then baked in the oven, this mac and cheese all cooks in one pot super fast. The recipe calls for cheddar and fontina cheese, but you can always substitute other cheeses if you prefer. The heavy cream added at the end of the cook time helps give it that creamy texture. Yum!

 

Ingredients Needed for Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

  • Cheddar cheese
  • Fontina cheese
  • Elbow macaroni
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic powder

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

 

How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

The hardest part of this Instant Pot Mac and cheese is really just grating the cheese! I strongly recommend using freshly grated cheese, because the pre-shredded cheese just does not melt near as well as freshly grated cheese. 

 

Even though the recipe calls for cheddar and fontina cheeses, you could also use gouda, white cheddar, gruyere, or mozzarella. You just want to be sure to pick cheeses that melt easily. 

Once the cheeses are all grated, add the macaroni, chicken broth, and water to the Instant Pot. You can, of course, use a different pasta instead of macaroni. Shell pasta, cavatappi, or bow tie all also work well for Mac and cheese. 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

After that, it is time to let the Instant Pot do its magic! No babysitting the stove top while the pasta boils! Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. If you are new to the IP, don’t forget to set the valve to seal before you start it. 

Once the IP is done cooking, go ahead and release the pressure manually. 

 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Lastly, add the heavy cream and cheese to the pot and give it a good stir. I like to let it sit for a few minutes to really let those cheeses melt, then stir it one more time. 

Voila! Super quick and easy Instant Pot Mac and cheese! If you want a meal to please your kids, then print the recipe below and give it a try!

 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Also, try out these other easy Instant Pot recipes!

 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese - B
broccoli
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese - B
broccoli

Ingredients

Prep
  • 3 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 C fontina cheese
  • 2 C water
  • 2 C chicken broth
  • 1/2 t garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
On Cooking Day
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 C heavy cream or half and half
  • 16 oz frozen broccoli florets

Instructions

To Assemble
  1. Shred cheeses and store in bowl with lid until cooking day.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to a medium bowl with lid and stir.
To Cook
  1. Add noddles and broth/water mixture to Instant Pot.
  2. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release when done.
  3. Add heavy cream and cheeses. Stir until melted.
  4. Cook broccoli according to package directions.

Ingredients

Prep
  • 3 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 C fontina cheese
  • 2 C water
  • 2 C chicken broth
  • 1/2 t garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
On Cooking Day
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 C heavy cream or half and half
  • 16 oz frozen broccoli florets

Instructions

To Assemble
  1. Shred cheeses and store in bowl with lid until cooking day.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to a medium bowl with lid and stir.
To Cook
  1. Add noddles and broth/water mixture to Instant Pot.
  2. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release when done.
  3. Add heavy cream and cheeses. Stir until melted.
  4. Cook broccoli according to package directions.

 

Get your FREE
freezer marinade recipe bundle!