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Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese - Creamy, Fast, and Family-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Elbow macaroni (1 pound)
  • Water or low-sodium chicken broth (about 4 cups)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Evaporated milk (12-ounce can) or half-and-half (1 to 1 1/4 cups)
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (3 cups)
  • Monterey Jack or mozzarella, freshly shredded (1 cup)
  • Cream cheese (2 ounces), optional for extra creaminess
  • Salt (start with 1 teaspoon, adjust to taste)
  • Ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Mustard (1 teaspoon Dijon or 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard), optional
  • Hot sauce (a few dashes), optional

Method
 

  1. Add pasta and liquid: Pour the macaroni into the Instant Pot. Add water or broth to just cover the noodles (about 4 cups). Stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard if using.
  2. Pressure cook: Seal the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure.
  3. Quick release: As soon as the timer ends, carefully perform a quick release. Open the lid and give the pasta a gentle stir. There should be a small amount of starchy liquid left—that’s good.
  4. Stir in butter: Add the butter and stir until melted and glossy.
  5. Add dairy: Pour in the evaporated milk or half-and-half. Stir to combine and let the pot sit on Keep Warm. If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until melted.
  6. Add cheeses gradually: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack in small handfuls, stirring well after each addition. This helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.
  7. Season to finish: Add black pepper and taste. Adjust salt, add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like, and stir until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.
  8. Rest briefly: Let the mac and cheese rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. If it gets too thick, splash in a bit more warm milk to loosen.
  9. Serve hot: Spoon into bowls and enjoy as is, or top with toasted breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, or chopped chives.