Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is hearty, comforting, and ready in less than 20 minutes. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time, it’s creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make!

You’ll also love this Stove Top Mac and Cheese, Meatball Mac and Cheese, and Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet!

Instant Pot macaroni and cheese. Easy macaroni and cheese. The best creamy mac ‘n cheese recipe. Look no further, friends, because you’ve come to the right place!

So, now that I’m into sharing more Instant Pot recipes, I thought now would be the perfect time to debut my latest (and greatest) dish. Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese is hearty, comforting, and ready in less than 20 minutes. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time, it’s creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make!

And I’m all about those simple recipes around here. Especially when it comes to side dishes.

This Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe really is easy, cheesy, and all-around delicious. In fact, I might never make macaroni and cheese on the stove top again, it’s just that good!

And like I mentioned, just a handful of ingredients is all it takes to make this easy Instant Pot macaroni and cheese. You probably already have them in your kitchen right now. And that’s a win-win all around!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Ingredients

The ingredients list for this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is simple: 

• Dry elbow macaroni
• Chicken broth
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper 
• Milk
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Never made mac and cheese in an Instant Pot before? Don’t sweat it, this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is a breeze to make! 

1. You’ll start by combining everything in the Instant Pot (except the milk and cheese) and stir to combine.
2. The dry noodles will cook with the liquid right in the pot, so there is no need to cook them beforehand.
3. Once the IP comes to pressure, it will cook for 5 minutes. Yep, that’s it!
4. When the timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the valve to the ‘venting’ position. I like to place a folded kitchen towel over the valve when doing this so that it catches the steam.
5. Remove the lid and stir. Now it’s time to add the milk and shredded cheese. I like to start with 1/2 cup of milk and the cheese. If more liquid is needed, increase the amount of milk.
6. And that’s it! Once you add the cheese and stir to melt, it’s time to dig in.

How Long to Cook Macaroni in an Instant Pot

This Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe calls for 16 ounces of elbow macaroni. I cooked it for 5 minutes on high pressure, along with 4 cups of liquid. Though remember that it will take your IP about 15 minutes to come to pressure, and then it will count down from 5 minutes.

If using 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, I would decrease the cook time to 2 minutes on high pressure and 2 cups of liquid.

Recipe Variations to Try

Adjust the seasonings! Add some Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, or thyme.

Use heavy cream! Swap out the milk for heavy cream or use a combination of both for added richness.

Try different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gouda, Provolone, Swiss, or Fontina would make delicious mac ‘n cheese.

Add some meat! Shredded chicken, pork, ground beef or ham would give this dish a hearty texture.

What to Serve with Creamy Mac and Cheese 

Fresh bread! If you’re looking to make this the main course, it pairs perfectly with ciabatta or crusty bread.

A salad! Whether a side salad or entree salad, macaroni and cheese is the perfect side.

Add some chicken, ham, or turkey to make this into a hearty main dish! I like to add some shredded rotisserie chicken to give this a boost of protein.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese

If you have leftovers of this easy Instant Pot mac and cheese, I recommend reheating them in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a little broth or milk to thin out the cheese sauce. 

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Chicken broth or water can be used to cook the noodles. Chicken broth will enhance the flavor, but water will still give you delicious results.

If you use another pasta shape other than elbow macaroni, you may need to adjust the liquid to cook it in.

Season to taste once the creamy mac ‘n cheese is done! I like to add a touch more salt and pepper, if needed.

Shred your own cheese! It may sound like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it. Shredding your own cheese from the block ensure that the cheese melts better, and tastes better, too.

Add the shredded cheese to the IP about a 1/2 cup at a time! Otherwise, it will be harder to melt and may end up gloppy.

So, there you have it, friends. The best Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe. It’s so creamy, so easy, and so tasty. Try it and I guarantee you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Looking for more mac and cheese recipes? I’ve got you covered!

• Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese