Delicious Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Attention all mac and cheese lovers, I have a recipe that will change the way you make this classic dish. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student or just someone who wants a quick and delicious meal, my Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is perfect for you.
This recipe is perfect for those who love the comfort of homemade mac and cheese but do not have the time or patience to wait for it to bake in the oven. With an Instant Pot, you can make a creamy and cheesy macaroni dish in under 30 minutes.
Using simple ingredients such as cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, butter, chicken broth, and rotini pasta, this recipe ticks all the right boxes – easy to prepare, minimal ingredients and full of flavor.
Join me as we explore what makes Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe an unbeatable option for your next meal. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to dish every time you crave warm and gooey mac and cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy and delicious meal to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe! This recipe packs in all the cheesy goodness and comfort that mac and cheese is known for, but with a fraction of the time and effort required.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it only requires 4 simple ingredients: rotini pasta, chicken broth, evaporated milk, and cheddar cheese. These staple ingredients are easily accessible at any grocery store and won’t break the bank. Plus, you can swap out the rotini for elbow macaroni if that’s more your style.
The Instant Pot is also a game-changer in this recipe. By using this pressure cooker, we’re able to cook the pasta in chicken broth which infuses it with incredible flavor while keeping it perfectly tender. The same pot then doubles as a melting pot for our cheese sauce without requiring extra dishes to be washed.
This recipe takes only 4 minutes of high pressure cooking and then a quick pressure release before adding in our cheddar cheese and evaporated milk. It’s creamy, it’s gooey, it’s perfect every time. And don’t forget, the Keep Warm function on the Instant Pot ensures that your food stays warm until you’re ready to dig in.
Trust me when I say that every bite will be filled with satisfaction and happiness. So what are you waiting for? Try Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe tonight!
Ingredient List
- 1 lb rotini pasta – You can also use elbow macaroni or any other pasta of your choice.
- 4 cups chicken broth – This provides a savory base to the dish, but you can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
- 1 ½ cups evaporated milk – This adds a creamy richness to the dish, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with regular milk or cream.
- 2 tablespoons butter – This helps to enhance the flavor of the dish and also prevents the pasta from sticking.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese – This is the star ingredient that makes the Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese so cheesy and delicious. You can also try different types of cheese for a custom flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper – To taste
You may also want to add some extra ingredients to customize this recipe. For instance, some pot broccoli, cooked and chopped into small pieces, might be a healthy and tasty addition.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – making this delicious Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe!
First, gather all the ingredients from the Ingredient List.
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Add 1 lb rotini pasta, 4 cups chicken broth, and 2 teaspoons butter to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and turn on the pressure cooker by pressing the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and adjusting for high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Open the lid and stir in 1 (12oz) can of evaporated milk and 4 cups of cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
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Close the Instant Pot lid again and select or adjust for low pressure for another minute. Once done, quick release any remaining pressure manually.
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Finally, open the Instant Pot lid again and give everything a good final stir.
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Serve hot with optional toppings such as roasted broccoli or bread crumbs, as desired.
That’s it! This recipe can be made in just a matter of minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. It’s so creamy and cheesy that it will become your new go-to recipe for every occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I know that sometimes you don’t have all the ingredients for a recipe on hand, or you may want to change things up a bit. That’s why I want to share with you some substitutions and variations for Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe.
First off, let’s talk about the pasta. While this recipe calls for rotini pasta, you could easily substitute elbow macaroni or any other type of pasta you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Next up is the cheese. While cheddar cheese is classic for mac and cheese, you could add in some other types of cheese to mix things up. Try using Gouda, Havarti or even Parmesan cheese for a delicious twist.
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this recipe, try substituting the butter with olive oil and using low sodium chicken broth instead of regular chicken broth. You could also add in some veggies like carrots or broccoli to get some added nutrition.
For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, simply omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You could also use your favorite vegan cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
Finally, for those who want even more flavor, try adding in some different seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne pepper or even smoked paprika. And if you need to feed a crowd, just double the recipe ingredients and make it all at once in your Instant Pot.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, this instant pot macaroni and cheese recipe will always be a crowd pleaser.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared your irresistible Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese, it’s time to serve and pair it with the perfect side dish. Buttery green beans or steamed broccoli are among the best options to balance out the richness of this cheesy dish. Furthermore, these sides add texture, color, and nutrition to your meal.
When serving, I recommend placing a heaping portion into a cozy bowl or plate. You can snack on it as is, or you can drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes for an extra kick. In contrast, for those who have a sweet tooth, a sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon on top would do well too.
To accompany this dish, I suggest going with bold and full-bodied red wines; Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are good choices as they complement the cheese in the dish. Alternatively, beer-lovers can enjoy their mac and cheese with an IPA or Pale Ale.
In summary, serving a warm bowl of Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese with perfectly cooked broccoli or green beans on the side may be all you need for a satisfying meal. Pairing it with wine or beer of your choice completes the overall experience. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food with your loved ones!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, one of the great things about this Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time! To make things a little easier on yourself, you can prepare the mac and cheese beforehand and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer. This comes in handy when you’re busy and don’t have time to make a meal from scratch.
To make-ahead:
1. Cook the recipe as instructed.
2. Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool down completely at room temperature.
3. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
1. Remove the mac and cheese from the refrigerator.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk.
3. Stir well and transfer it to your Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid, set it to “Manual” for 2 minutes, and release pressure naturally.
In case you have some leftover macaroni and cheese after dinner, fret not! You can store the leftovers in the fridge for another day or freeze them for later consumption. To freeze, transfer your leftover mac and cheese into an airtight container or a freezer-safe ziplock bag, ensuring all air is removed, then store in freezer for up to 2 months.
To defrost:
1. Transfer frozen macaroni and cheese from freezer to refrigerator.
2. Allow it to defrost at room-temperature for a few hours or overnight in fridge.
To reheat:
1. Place in Instant Pot, add few spoonfuls of milk or water.
2. Set to “Manual” pressure for 2 minutes.
3. Quick-release when done.
Always ensure that your macaroni and cheese is heated thoroughly before consuming leftovers.
These simple steps will help you keep your food fresh while also making it easy to enjoy later on. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or simply don’t have enough time during the day, this make-ahead and storing option is a real lifesaver. Give it a try and see just how simple meal planning can be!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking pasta perfectly can sometimes be a challenge, but with this Instant Pot macaroni and cheese recipe, it’s easy to achieve that perfect texture every time. Here are some tips for making sure your pot mac and cheese turns out deliciously creamy and perfectly cooked.
1. Use the Right Pasta
Choose rotini pasta instead of elbow macaroni for this recipe because rotini has more surface area to absorb the sauce, resulting in a creamier pot mac.
2. Add Enough Liquid
Make sure to use enough chicken broth (4 cups) to cook the pasta in the Instant Pot. This will ensure that there’s enough steam and liquid to cook the noodles properly.
3. Use Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is thick and creamy, making it perfect for cheese sauce. It also helps prevent curdling when added to high heat.
4. Don’t Overcook
Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes followed by quick release. Overcooking can change the texture of the pasta, so be careful not to exceed the recommended time.
5. Keep Warm Setting
After cooking, keep mac cheese warm using the Keep Warm setting on your Instant Pot. This helps give the dish an even better flavor as well as maintain its temperature.
6. Cheese Quantity
Use a combination of cheddar cheese and butter for the best flavor and texture in your macaroni cheese recipe.
By following these tips, you’ll have a perfect pot macaroni cheese recipe every time you make it in your instant pot!
FAQ
Now that you know all the preparation steps for making Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, it’s time to take a look at some of the most common questions people ask about this recipe. Check out these FAQ and get ready to impress your family and friends with this cheesy, comforting dish.
Can you keep mac n cheese warm in an Instant Pot?
If you want to maintain the warmth of your food in the Instant Pot, the easiest and most effective approach is to activate the Keep Warm feature. This function will activate automatically once your cooking is done, and it will keep your food hot until you’re ready to consume it.
What kind of cheese do you use for macaroni and cheese?
When it comes to adding cheese to your dish, Gruyere is a timeless option with its ability to melt like Cheddar but brings a unique nutty taste to the mix. Other popular choices to consider include Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan, fontina, Havarti, and Monterey Jack. For those who enjoy Brie, it can be a suitable choice as well. Just remember to take off the rind before incorporating it into the dish.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks—a delicious and speedy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a hot and comforting meal in a hurry. With its simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, this Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the perfect dish to keep in your back pocket for those moments when you need to serve up something that will hit the spot with minimal fuss. Trust me—it’s so good, you’ll want to make it over and over again.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your Instant Pot, and get ready to whip up some seriously delicious macaroni and cheese. And don’t forget to come back and let us know how it turned out for you—we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Nif’s Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta (500g package)
- 4 cups chicken broth (900 ml/1 tetra brick)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk (1 can, I use partly skimmed)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Put pasta, broth, butter, and salt in pot.
- Set Instant Pot to "pressure cooker" or "manual" on high for 5 minutes. After pot gets up to temperature, it will cook.
- When time is up, release steam. If it spits out broth, release steam a little slower.
- Set pot to "saute" and add evaporated milk.
- Gradually stir in cheese. Add pepper to taste.