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Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese is a simple recipe that is made in minutes. This side dish is thick, creamy, and loaded with goodness. The ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food in my opinion. It is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. I love it when the cheese sauce is thick because it blankets the cooked pasta really well.
If you have been following me for awhile then you already know this is my favorite side dish as I have shared a few different macaroni and cheese recipes.
My favorite easy macaroni and cheese recipe on the blog is Southern Mac and Cheese especially when it is paired with a good Ribeye Steak and Garlic Green Beans for the ultimate meal. However, the recipe that I am sharing today may take over as my favorite.
This recipe is quick to make and made in my new favorite kitchen gadget, the pressure cooker. It comes out perfect each time that I have made it and is so simple that I don’t need to consult my pressure cooker manual. It is truly a dump and go recipe.
What ingredients are needed for Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese?
- Uncooked macaroni pasta or medium shells
- Chicken stock or water
- Butter
- Dry mustard powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Condensed milk
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
How to make this Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe:
Begin this recipe using a pressure cooker or instant pot. Add in the pasta, chicken stock, butter, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cover with the lid, making sure the pressure cooker knob is set to sealing and not venting. Cook on manual for four minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, use quick release, and remove the lid. The pasta will be cooked perfectly al dente with enough liquid in the bottom to create the perfect mac and cheese sauce. Stir the liquid to fully coat the pasta.
Pour in the evaporated milk and stir to evenly distribute. Add in all the cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
This mac and cheese is thick and creamy. It reminds me of the Panera mac and cheese recipe, if you use shells pasta, but it is made in minutes without leaving your home.
Tips to make the best pressure cooker mac n cheese:
- Use uncooked macaroni pasta or medium shells
- May substitute the chicken stock for chicken broth or water. If using water, increase the salt amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Use salted or unsalted butter.
- The grated parmesan cheese thickens the cheese sauce in this recipe and provides great flavor. Do not substitute this part. However you may use freshly grated or pre-grated, either is fine.
- You can substitute the evaporated milk for whole milk, however, the evaporated milk creates a thicker sauce.
- If you prefer to use all sharp cheddar or all mild cheddar, either is fine. Try using other combinations as well with the cheddar such as mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere.
Want more cheesy mac and cheese recipes? Try these:
- Southern Mac and Cheese
- One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese
- White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Recipe
Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 16 ounces macaroni pasta, or shells
- 4 cups chicken stock, or water
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Using a pressure cooker, add pasta, chicken stock or water, butter, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover with lid making sure the knob is set to sealing and not venting.
- Cook on manual for 4 minutes. Carefully use the quick release function. Remove the lid and allow the steam to escape.
- Stir to distribute the liquid. Add the evaporated milk. Stir to combine.
- Add the parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and mild cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
- Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce. Serve warm and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
- Use uncooked macaroni pasta or medium shells
- May substitute the chicken stock for chicken broth or water. If using water, increase the salt amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Use salted or unsalted butter.
- The grated parmesan cheese thickens the cheese sauce in this recipe and provides great flavor. Do not substitute this part. However you may use freshly grated or pre-grated, either is fine.
- You can substitute the evaporated milk for whole milk, however the evaporated milk creates a thicker sauce.
- If you prefer to use all sharp cheddar or all mild cheddar, either is fine. Try using other combinations as well with the cheddar such as mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere.
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Have any questions or comments about this Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese? Please share them in the comments below or send an email to lakita@simplylakita.com.
Allen paul
In love with this recipe. It’s fast and easy to make
LaKita
Thank you Paul!
Marta
Ooooh! I love that we're doing this in a pressure cooker! Now I have a last minute go-to for those busiest of days.
LaKita
Yes Marta! It is perfect for busy days
Tamara J.
This is definitely a great “go-to” side dish. I love pulling out the pressure cooker for tasty quick food!
LaKita
I agree it has become my new favorite way to cook!
Tynia
This mac and cheese looks delicious and so easy. I need to stop playing and get a pressure cooker.
LaKita
Thank you! Yes, it is so worth it! Check out the Black Friday deals for it.
Katrina Adams
The chicken broth definitely makes me want to try this recipe!! Thank you for sharing!!!
LaKita
It gives it so much more flavor than using water!
Mila Claqrke Buckley
This looks incredible! So creamy and cheesy!!
LaKita
Thank you! Yes and yes!
Kenya Rae
I am all the way here for this!! Comfort food season is indeed upon us.
LaKita
YES!!! Bring on all the comfort food recipes!!
Jacynthe
Can I cut this recipe in half and not change any of the Instant Pot settings? Or will Instant Pot settings change because there is half the food inside?
Thanks in advance
LaKita
Yes, you sure can. I've tried it with less shell pasta with no problem.
Jazz
Mac & cheese in minutes?? This is everything!
LaKita
Yes!! It is so convenient!
SHANIKA
I've never tried making Mac + Cheese in a pressure cooker, but I could only imagine how tender and creamy this recipe is!
LaKita
It is so creamy and tender!
Aline
This recipe was great times infinity!! My family went nuts - Thank you!
LaKita
Yay!! I'm so glad it was a hit!
Adri Ruff
I can’t wait to make this! One of my favorite comfort foods.
LaKita
Yes!! It is the best comfort food. Hope you enjoy it!