Description
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (Creamy & Festive) is the perfect comfort food, delivering rich, cheesy goodness in just 30 minutes. This easy recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese, creating a dish that’s ideal for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Elevate your meal by adding crispy bacon bits or fresh green onions for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this creamy delight that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 1/2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter and add elbow macaroni.
- Pour in water or broth until pasta is covered and season with salt and garlic powder.
- Close the lid, set the pressure valve, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Perform a quick release once cooking is complete; stir until fluffy.
- Mix in shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and more butter until melted and creamy.
- Season with pepper to taste and serve immediately, topped with optional ingredients as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg