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Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy Perfect in 8 Minutes

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A quick and easy creamy mac and cheese made in the Instant Pot, ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy comfort food with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups water (480 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml) – can substitute 2% or dairy-free milk like oat milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour 8 ounces of elbow macaroni into the Instant Pot. Add 2 cups of water, ensuring pasta is submerged evenly. No need to stir.
  2. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 4 minutes.
  3. When the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting.
  4. Open the lid and stir in 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of whole milk.
  5. Add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan gradually. Stir gently until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add more milk if too thick.
  6. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Give a last gentle stir, then let the pot sit off heat for a couple minutes to thicken the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra cheese or herbs.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor. Perform quick release to avoid overcooking pasta. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Stir gently to avoid clumping. For creamier texture, add cream cheese or heavy cream after cooking. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions available.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, mac and cheese, creamy, quick recipe, comfort food, pressure cooker, easy dinner

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/creamy-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-perfect-in-8-minutes/