Go Back
To make the best Instant Pot mac and cheese, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup heavy cream - Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish These ingredients create a rich, creamy dish that everyone will love. The elbow macaroni cooks perfectly in the broth, soaking up all the flavor. The cheeses melt into a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings to each bite. I use sharp cheddar for a bold taste and mozzarella for a stretchy texture. The spices add depth and warmth, making this dish feel cozy and inviting. Don't forget the heavy cream! It gives the mac and cheese that luxurious, creamy finish. If you want to add a fresh touch, consider using herbs for garnish. Parsley or chives add a nice color and flavor contrast. Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps. - Prepare the Pot: In your Instant Pot, combine 2 cups of elbow macaroni with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Make sure that all the macaroni is fully covered. This step is key for even cooking. - Seal and Cook: Close the lid tightly and seal the valve. Choose the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting. Set the timer for 4 minutes, and get ready for cheesy goodness. - Release the Pressure: After the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. This helps the pasta finish cooking. Then, switch to a quick release to let out any remaining steam. - Stir the Pasta: Carefully take off the lid once all the pressure is gone. Stir the macaroni gently. It should be al dente and have some liquid left in the pot. - Add Flavorings: Now it's time to make it tasty. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the butter melts and everything combines. This is just part of the process, but you can find the full recipe to create a creamy mac and cheese that will make your taste buds dance! To make great mac and cheese, you need to ensure even cooking. Always submerge your pasta in the broth. This keeps the pasta from sticking and helps it cook evenly. If even a bit of pasta is above the broth, it may not cook right. If your sauce is too thick, don't worry! You can adjust the consistency easily. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. Stir it in until you reach your desired thickness. This makes your dish creamy and smooth, just like you want. When serving, presentation matters! Use rustic bowls for a cozy feel. Top your mac and cheese with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives. A dash of smoked paprika adds color and flavor too. Think about what sides go well with this dish. A simple green salad pairs nicely. If you want a drink, try a light soda or iced tea. These sides make your meal feel complete and balanced. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in your mac and cheese. Try different kinds for fun twists. Here are some tasty options: - Colby Jack: This mild cheese melts well and adds a nice flavor. - Gouda: It brings a smoky taste that can elevate your dish. - Parmesan: A sprinkle adds a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs well. - Cream Cheese: This gives a super creamy texture without overpowering the taste. Mix and match these cheeses to find your favorite blend. Each choice adds its own unique flair. Want to make your mac and cheese even better? Add some veggies or protein! Here are a few ideas: - Spinach: Toss in fresh or frozen spinach for color and nutrients. - Broccoli: Add small florets for a crunchy texture and extra vitamins. - Peas: These sweet bites add a pop of color and flavor. These veggies not only enhance taste but also make the dish healthier. You can also add protein to make your meal heartier. Consider these options: - Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken gives a nice bite. - Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles add a smoky crunch that is hard to resist. - Ground Beef: This can turn your mac and cheese into a full meal. Feel free to get creative! You can combine any of these add-ins for a dish that you will love. Try the Full Recipe for a classic start, then experiment with these ideas! Storing leftover mac and cheese right is key. Once it cools, put it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It can last in the fridge for about three to five days. To avoid drying out, make sure the lid seals tightly. If you want to enjoy it later, try to cool it down before sealing. This helps prevent condensation from forming. You can reheat mac and cheese in a few ways. The microwave is quick and easy. Just pop it in a bowl and cover it loosely. Heat it for about one minute, then stir. If it's still cold, heat it for another 30 seconds. You can also use the stove. Just add a splash of broth or cream to a pan. Heat it on low, stirring often until warm. When reheating, adding moisture helps keep it creamy. A bit of broth or cream does wonders. Stir it in before heating. This makes sure the cheese stays smooth. If it seems thick, don't worry. Just add a little more liquid until it feels just right. How long does Instant Pot Mac and Cheese last in the fridge? Instant Pot Mac and Cheese lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. Make sure it’s cool before sealing to avoid steam build-up. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Just adjust the cooking time. Gluten-free pasta cooks faster, so check it at about 3 minutes. It will still taste great and give you that creamy comfort. How do I make mac and cheese without cream? You can skip the cream and use more broth instead. Just use about 4 to 6 cups of vegetable broth. You can also add a little extra cheese for creaminess. This will keep it rich and tasty without the cream. Can I double this recipe for larger servings? Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure your Instant Pot is big enough. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but not by much. Keep an eye on it to ensure everything cooks well. Many users love the full recipe. They say it is creamy and easy to make. A few have suggested adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Others mix in cooked broccoli or chicken for extra flavor and nutrition. Overall, the reviews are positive, and people enjoy making this dish their own! This blog post covers how to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with ease. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. We discussed different cheese options and how to add veggies or proteins. Storing and reheating leftovers helps maintain their creamy texture. In these simple steps, you can enjoy a quick, tasty meal. Try this recipe and customize it to your liking for a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Garlic & Herb Instant Pot Mac and Cheese that's quick, easy, and full of flavor! This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with rich cheeses and aromatic herbs, creating the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it's ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore this cheesy delight and see just how simple it can be to elevate your meals!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup heavy cream

Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or chives)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pot: In your Instant Pot, combine the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth. Make sure all the macaroni is fully submerged to ensure even cooking.

    Seal and Cook: Close the lid securely and seal the valve on the Instant Pot. Choose the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” settings and set the time for 4 minutes.

      Release the Pressure: Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, switch to a quick release to release any remaining steam.

        Stir the Pasta: Carefully remove the lid once all the pressure has been released. Stir the macaroni gently; it should be al dente with some liquid remaining in the pot.

          Add Flavorings: Incorporate the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.

            Incorporate Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, mixing continuously until the pasta is luxuriously coated and creamy.

              Melt the Cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

                Season to Taste: Taste your mac and cheese and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If the sauce appears too thick, feel free to add a splash more vegetable broth or cream to achieve your preferred consistency.

                  Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve your creamy mac and cheese in rustic bowls. Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, a dash of smoked paprika for color, and a few cracks of black pepper for an added flavor pop. Enjoy every cheesy bite!