Ever since my bouncing baby girl started downright REFUSING baby food, finger foods have become the name of the game! But finding easy and nutritious recipes for the whole family to enjoy can be a REAL chore.
Each one we tried needed dozens of fresh ingredients and SO MUCH prep time (and who has that EXTRA time with an almost toddler underfoot?!).
Then we discovered that you can make mac & cheese in an instant pot! We’ve fine tuned this recipe into the perfect creamy meal and we want to share it with you!
On those nights when I’m short on time or don’t feel like cooking, this recipe is a LIFESAVER.
With no prep needed and only 5-minutes in the pressure cooker, you too can whip up a steaming hot pot of creamy, cheesy goodness that is sure to please the kiddos.
5-Minute Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb dry pasta (any style)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ to 1 cup milk
- steamable veggies (optional)
- cooked protein (optional)
- 1 Tbsp Frank's Red Hot Sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Add chicken broth, water, dry pasta, butter, salt, and pepper to the pressure cooker pot. No mixing required!
- Seal your pressure cooker and set to high (or manual) pressure for 5 minutes
- Adding optional ingredients to your mac? Now is a great time to pop your veggies into the microwave or slice your protein!
- While the pasta is cooking, measure out your cheeses and combine into a large bowl
- Once the timer dings, do a controlled pressure release. (Waiting too long after cooking finishes to release pressure will lead to soggy, overcooked pasta)
- Add the cheese mix to your cookpot in 3-4 handfuls, mixing in between until the cheese has fully melted
- Next, to create your simple cheese sauce add ½ a cup of milk to your cookpot and mix thoroughly. If the sauce appears too thick, add up to another ½ cup of milk
- Combine any optional ingredients (protein or veggies) with your finished pasta
- Kick back and enjoy a quiet (and warm!) meal without any kiddo complaints!
Notes
- Only have salted chicken broth? No problemo! Just skip adding the additional salt.
- Rather not buy 3 types of cheese? Substitute the parmesan and mozzarella cheese for 1 cup of Italian blend.
- Reminder: Mozzarella is a very STRINGY cheese. If your family prefers a more creamy texture, opt for ONLY cheddar cheese (3 1/2 cups) or your favorite cheese blend!
Instant pot mac & cheese with broccoli has become a weekly STAPLE in my house and always pleases the crowd at family gatherings.
Another bonus for us busy moms? This recipe freezes well for emergency backup dinners or kid-approved lunch prep!
Think you’ll give this a try? Let us know how much your family loved it by tagging @CentralMassMom on Instagram and Facebook!
P.S. We ALWAYS love to see pics ❤️
