• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Domestic Superhero

Simple recipes packing a PUNCH of flavor that any home cook can recreate!

  • Home
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
    • Featured On
  • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Crock Pot
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
      • Mexican Inpired
      • Take Out Inspired
    • Dips & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Freezer Friendly
    • Healthy
      • Low Calorie
      • Low Carbs
      • Weight Watchers
    • Instant Pot
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Fish
      • Pork
    • Mexican Inspired
    • One Pot Meals
    • Pizza
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Soups
    • Take Out Inspired
    • Vegetarian
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • DIY Furniture
    • Project Gallery
    • FREE Printables
  • Travel
    • Guides
    • Travel

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (pressure cooker)

August 21, 2018 57 Comments This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

7.6Kshares

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!Mac and cheese is such a staple at my house, I feel like I am always cooking it. Well, in the summer I hate heating my oven and stove up, so I love using my instant pot to make these recipes. Using the instant pot saves time, effort, and it’s SO EASY! You literally dump everything in the pot and turn it on; it doesn’t get easier than this! Instant Pot Mac and Cheese will quickly become your favorite easy instant pot recipe!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!

I use my Instant Pot for everything these days, and you should too! Don’t have an Instant Pot? You need to buy one now!! They are life changing because they save so much time and effort!!! I recommend the 6 quart Instant Pot if you have 2-4 people in your family, but if you have more than 4 people, I recommend the 8 quart Instant Pot. If you haven’t tried my popular Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps or Instant Pot Peanut Butter Cheesecake (yes, cheesecake), then you HAVE to check those out!  This instant pot mac and cheese recipe cooks so quickly and is really delicious and creamy in the instant pot! Not only that, but you don’t have to waste time straining the pasta, you just cook everything all together; it’s great! If you like creamy white cheddar mac and cheese, checkout this copycat Panera Mac and Cheese recipe.

How to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese:

**Scroll down for full ingredient list and directions – this is an overview **

  • Add the dry pasta to the instant pot. Add water or broth to the noodles, mustard, and salt. Close the lid, make sure the pressure valve is sealed, and set the instant pot on manual/high for 4 minutes.
    • You should remember when using the Instant Pot, that the time it takes to cook the recipe (4 mins), is not the total time of the recipe. You need to give the pot some time to ‘come to pressure’, and the more water in the pot, the longer this will take. Don’t worry, just let it do it’s thing!
  • Release the pressure once the time is up, then add milk (or heavy cream/half and half, evaporated milk), cheese, and butter. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and creamy. Serve with your favorite meal!

How to make Mac and Cheese a complete meal:

If you are serving just mac and cheese for dinner, you might want to add some goodies to the dish to make it a more complete meal.

  • Add cubed (bite sized) chicken to the pot when you cook the pasta. The chicken can be raw, just make sure you season it with salt and pepper (cajun seasoning would be good too!). Don’t want to add raw chicken? Stir in left over rotisserie chicken during the cheese/milk/butter step.
  • Add vegetables! Broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great additions for mac and cheese.
  • Make it cajun style! Add chicken, sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, and cajun seasoning to the pot! Your family will LOVE this meal!
  • Make the instant pot mac and cheese according to directions and serve alongside another main dish such as Chive Mustard Chicken, Easy Italian Meatball Sliders, or Hawaiian Style Hot dogs!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!

Can I make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with a different type of milk?

The short answer is yes. I used whole milk for the recipe because I think it provides a better creamy texture. However, using half and half or heavy cream would also be great options. You can also use evaporated milk in place of milk (same amount), but it adds a slightly off putting taste in my opinion. Some people LOVE evaporated milk in mac and cheese, but I like to stick to regular milk. It’s totally your preference!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!

My favorite Instant Pot Recipes:

  • Instant Pot Salsa Rice is the perfect meal or side dish to your favorite Mexican inspired dinner! Filled with fresh vegetables and only 4 minutes in the Instant Pot and this rice is ready to eat!
  • Instant Pot Asian Pork cooks up in just minutes, and is the perfect healthy dinner! Use the juicy meat in lettuce wraps, sliders, or a salad!
  • Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter takes only 3 minutes to make, and is a delicious fall recipe that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or in your favorite dessert!
  • Instant Pot Roasted Garlic Hummus has only a handful of ingredients and is so delicious! Save money and know exactly what’s in your food with this recipe!
  • Instant Pot Bang Bang Chicken comes together in minutes and is so delicious! The classic spicy sauce is perfect on shredded chicken which can be used in rice bowls, salads, wraps, or however you want!
  • Instant Pot Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a stunning dessert that comes together in no time! Not only is it amazingly easy, but it’s the best cheesecake EVER!
  • Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious healthy meal that cooks in just 10 minutes! Simple to make, family friendly, and so tasty!
  • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Egg Loaf: In five minutes you can have a whole bunch of hardboiled eggs which are perfect for egg salad! No peeling or ice bath for this Instant Pot Hard Boiled Egg Loaf!
  • Instant Pot Thai Lettuce Wraps (pork or chicken) can be made with pork or chicken in the instant pot or slow cooker! Juicy pork or chicken covered in an easy Thai peanut sauce makes the perfect healthy easy dinner!
  • Instant Pot Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the perfect comfort food without any guilt! Make it in the Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or on the stove top!
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is ready to eat in just minutes and is super flavorful!  No need to peel the husk; corn on the cob can be cooked directly in the husk and then removed without a mess!

Make sure you don’t miss a thing! Follow Domestic Superhero on:

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”aZzwmyAb” upload-date=”2018-08-22T18:10:24.000Z” name=”Instant pot Mac & Cheese_cropping” description=”Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!”]

4.47 from 13 votes
Print
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4 mins
time to come to pressure
10 mins
Total Time
9 mins
 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: instant pot mac and cheese
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 16 ounces pasta
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 TBS dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 TBS butter
  • 1 cup whole milk (can use half and half, heavy cream, or evaporated milk)
  • 4 ounces sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces monterey cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Add pasta to instant pot. Add water/broth, salt, and mustard; stir to combine. Close instant pot lid and place pressure valve in sealed position. Set on manual/high for 4 minutes.

  2. Once the time is up, release the pressure immediately by flipping the valve and releasing the steam. Remove the top, then add milk, cheese, paprika, and butter; stir constantly until cheese is melted and everything is combined*. Add black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

*If mac and cheese hasn't thickened completely, turn pot to saute mode and cook for a few minutes while stirring. This should thicken up any remaining liquid.

 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!
7.6Kshares

Related

Previous Post: « Instant Pot Asian Pork
Next Post: Caramel Apple Poke Cake (easy cake mix recipe) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly says

    August 21, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    This looks so delicious and I love how quick and easy it is!

    Reply
  2. Brandy @ Nutmeg Nanny says

    August 21, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    This looks so good! Now I am craving it!

    Reply
  3. Aimee Shugarman says

    August 22, 2018 at 7:59 am

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! I’m hooked on my Instant Pot 🙂

    Reply
  4. Katerina @ diethood .com says

    August 22, 2018 at 9:34 am

    5 stars
    This sounds incredible! I love how quick and easy it is!!

    Reply
  5. Carolyn says

    August 27, 2018 at 9:19 am

    5 stars
    My kids would go gaga for this!

    Reply
  6. Celine says

    September 10, 2018 at 7:43 am

    Can you use nutmilk??

    Looks delish!

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      September 11, 2018 at 9:02 am

      Celine- I have not tried that so I can’t say for sure. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  7. Annette says

    November 21, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    When do you add the paprika?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      November 22, 2018 at 6:58 pm

      Oops! I usually add it with the cheese etc (step 2), but you should be able to add it whenever after the pasta is cooked!

      Reply
  8. Norma says

    November 21, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    I used 1/2 chicken broth and 1/2 water. I added left over rotisserie chicken, can of mushrooms, celery for crunch and garlic. They loved it so much they wanted next day for supper

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      November 22, 2018 at 6:58 pm

      YUMMMM!!!!

      Reply
  9. Taylor says

    November 21, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    Currently making… Recipe doesn’t specify when to add paprika. Hopefully its at the end with the pepper to taste. We will see.

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      November 22, 2018 at 6:57 pm

      Oops! I usually add it with the cheese etc (step 2), but you should be able to add it whenever after the pasta is cooked!

      Reply
  10. Caroline says

    December 1, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    Do I time it once it gets to high pressure? Or will it do it on its own? Thanks! (I just got my pressure cooker yesterday.)

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 2, 2018 at 10:34 pm

      Caroline- set the pot to high pressure or manual, then set the timer to the designated time. The pot will build pressure and then begin to count down (probably after 10 mins), then when the time is up it will beep – all done! You shouldnt have to time anything yourself!

      Reply
  11. Michelle says

    December 4, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    When/how would I add raw chicken and cauliflower? Making this tonight 🙂 thx!

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 4, 2018 at 8:05 pm

      Hi Michelle- I haven’t tried this additions so I really can’t tell you. Not sure. Maybe you should add cooked at the end because raw chicken will not cook in that amount of time and you don’t want the pasta to be overcooked.

      Reply
      • Michelle says

        December 4, 2018 at 8:40 pm

        I tried tonight! I sautéed about a pound of chicken first and then added the pasta, salt, mustard, and water. I set it to 3 mins on manual. Did a quick release and threw in approx 2 cups of cauliflower. Back in manual for 2 mins. Quick released and added in the remaining ingredients. Pasta was perfect. Chicken and cauliflower were tender. SO GOOD. Thx for the recipe!!!

        Reply
  12. Tamara says

    December 4, 2018 at 7:45 pm

    5 stars
    Wow!!! I never leave comments but I had to on this one! I did it with chicken and it was FABULOUS!!!! Came out perfect and my daughter loved it! Filling and delicious! A definite keeper!!! Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  13. Kay Lowe says

    December 5, 2018 at 7:27 am

    5 stars
    Could this recipe be halved, and, if so, how would one adjust the cook time? Do you know, or should I just experiment myself? After all, macaroni and the other ingredients are not terribly expensive.

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 5, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      Nothing will change- just half the ingredients 🙂 Cooking time stays the same 🙂

      Reply
  14. Joan M Dreicer says

    December 8, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    do you think i can make multiple batches and keep warm in the oven?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 9, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      Joan- I haven’t tried that so I am not sure- sorry!

      Reply
  15. Leslie says

    December 10, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    4 stars
    Usually when I do my mac and cheese I put buttered bread crumbs or corn flakes (crushed fairly wrll) on top and pop it in the oven anyway for a couple of minutes just to Brown turn the oven off and leave it there’s no reason why you can’t keep it in the oven. I just put it in a 9 by 13 glass or metal pan to Brown and serve….big spoon and they have to take turns, sometimes I make a ceaser salad or tossed salad to round out the bigger appetite (s)…😊

    Reply
  16. Debbie says

    December 10, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    What kind of brother?

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      December 10, 2018 at 6:26 pm

      Broth

      Reply
  17. Amy Blake says

    December 11, 2018 at 7:17 pm

    After the quick release, the water had not evaporated. What did I Do Wrong?

    Reply
    • Celeste65 says

      January 3, 2019 at 3:13 pm

      Didn’t cook long enough. You need to let it get up to pressure, then cook for 4 minutes. When I made tuna casserole, I left it alone for 10 minutes.

      Reply
  18. JoLynn Ho says

    December 17, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    For this recipe, did you use the 6 qt. or 8 qt. Instant Pot?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 18, 2018 at 10:49 pm

      I used a 6qt but either will work.

      Reply
  19. Elena says

    December 19, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been craving Mac n cheese all week and this recipe was so simple and perfect! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 20, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      I always whip out my instant pot when I am craving mac and cheese! So glad you loved it!

      Reply
  20. Jan says

    December 21, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    4 stars
    I just made this tonight and it was great, so fast, simple. No more standing over the stove stirring cheese. My only question is about doing a quick release. I had starch spraying out. What do you think about maybe doing a natural release? Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 22, 2018 at 7:11 pm

      You could definitely do a bit of natural release, you just dont the noodles to get mushy which is why I recommend the QR. I usually toss a hand towel over the valve so it doesn’t spray out, but I know some people advise not to do that…

      Reply
  21. Britny says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    Pretty good! I only added 1/2 C of milk and it was still kinda soupy. Will make some tweaks before I make again

    Reply
  22. Vicky says

    December 25, 2018 at 8:41 am

    Made it yesterday for a big crowd. It was a hit! Very good!! I added about a tsp of corn starch to the milk before I added it to help thicken it since some of the comments referenced it being soupy. It turned out great! So simple!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      December 28, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      I have an 8qt – can I just double the recipe? I have a large group – 8 servings isn’t enough.

      Reply
      • Allyson says

        December 28, 2018 at 7:14 pm

        Yes just double the recipe!

        Reply
  23. Barbara Williamson says

    December 28, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    Want to make for a potluck. Will it be ok if left on warm for a couple of hours?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      December 28, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      Barbara, I can’t be sure because I’ve never tried keeping it like that. I THINK it should be okay, but as I said, I haven’t tried it out.

      Reply
  24. Bill says

    January 2, 2019 at 2:50 pm

    Making mac n cheese with Turkey berger.
    Fry Turkey first?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      January 2, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      I would definitely saute the meat first.

      Reply
  25. Andrew Glenn says

    January 14, 2019 at 5:54 pm

    First time using an Instant Pot. I am confused on the directions of cook time for 4 minutes but there is a 10 for pressure time? The directions don’t say anything about pressure time.

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:57 pm

      In the printable directions it says ’10 minutes time to come to pressure’. When you use the instant pot, the cook time is NOT the total time it will take. This just helps you plan for how long it’s going to take total time to make the recipe. Once you put everything in the pot and then set the time to 4 minutes, the pot will build up pressure before it starts counting down the 4 minutes. This time to build up, is going to be around 10 minutes. Once it builds up enough pressure, the pot will beep and you will see the 4 minute cook time displayed and it will start counting down. Does that make sense? I explain in a section above, but you may have missed it if you jumped to the recipe. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  26. Celeste says

    January 15, 2019 at 2:56 pm

    No longer than 10 minutes, from the time you put the lid on, seal it, and press start.
    Tuna noodle casserole took me 10 minutes.

    Reply
  27. Audra says

    January 30, 2019 at 11:43 am

    If doubling recipe do you double cooking time??

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      January 30, 2019 at 2:49 pm

      Nope, cooking time stays the same 🙂

      Reply
  28. Gretchen says

    January 30, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    If you double the cook time, you’ll burn it

    Reply
  29. Nicola Williams says

    June 3, 2019 at 6:30 am

    5 stars
    This was exactly what I was looking for, a quick and easy last minute side for my son. It finished a bit watery after the first step but I added a heaping teaspoon of arrowroot and it did the trick. The sauce was creamy and thick!
    I did do my magic and added my spices such as garlic powder and coriander which topped it off. Saved it for next time.
    My son enjoyed it!!

    Reply
  30. nettie says

    June 21, 2019 at 10:20 pm

    5 stars
    delicious! this was the first recipe I cooked in may instant pot.

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      June 24, 2019 at 10:43 am

      So glad you loved it! Make sure you checkout all of my Instant Pot Recipes!

      Reply
  31. Jennifer says

    October 2, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    Can I double the recipe in a 6 qt Instant Pot?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      October 7, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Yes it should be fine.

      Reply
  32. Amanda says

    March 9, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Hi! Do you drain the water after pressure cooking before adding cheese and milk?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      March 10, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      There shouldn’t be too much water left. If there is, I would drain it out!

      Reply
  33. Traci Smith says

    April 6, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    Can we double the recipe for Mac and Cheese in a 6 quart instant pot?

    Reply
    • Allyson says

      April 6, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      I think so, yes!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi! I’m Allyson - Welcome to my blog where you will find lots of recipes & food goodness, DIY projects, crafts & a little bit of everything. I’m so happy you stopped by because I have a lot to share with you! Lets connect on social media, and be sure to subscribe to my email so you won’t miss a post!



GET OUR FREE GUIDE – 5 SECRETS TO HEALTHIER AIR FRYER COOKING!

    Popular Posts

    Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus (2 ingredients)
    Big Mac Sauce (Copycat Recipe)
    The Best Homemade Playdough Recipe
    Easy Dyed Easter Eggs
    BEST EVER Salty Herbed Smashed Red Potatoes
    Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

    Footer

    Disclaimer

    Domestic Superhero is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Recent Posts

    • Panera Mac and Cheese (copycat recipe)
    • Chocolate Covered Oreos (St. Patrick’s Day)
    • Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad (Chicken Salad Chick copycat)
    • Air Fryer Chicken Wings (super crispy)
    • Honey Mustard Chicken Strips (Air Fried or Baked)
    • Hamburger Soup (Instant Pot & Stove Top)
    • Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
    Privacy

    Copyright © 2021 Domestic Superhero