Description
This Indulgent Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe delivers rich, velvety comfort food in just 10 minutes. Utilizing the Instant Pot, this mac and cheese features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and aromatic seasonings, making it ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Base
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Butter
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Milk (preferably whole)
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese (softened)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including elbow macaroni, water, butter, cheeses, milk, and seasonings to have them ready for quick cooking.
- Cook Pasta in Instant Pot: Add elbow macaroni, water, and butter into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 4 minutes to cook the pasta perfectly.
- Release Pressure: After the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure carefully, then open the lid.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the milk, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the hot cooked pasta until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese: Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese immediately for the best creamy texture, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; alternatives like 2% milk can be used for a lighter option.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after mixing in cheese to avoid over-seasoning.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder along with the seasonings.
- To keep the mac and cheese creamy, serve immediately; reheating may require adding a splash of milk.
