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Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Try this mouthwatering recipe tonight!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 cups dry macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups mild white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

  1. Start by grating the cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and ensures your sauce is smooth and creamy.
  2. Next, pour the dry macaroni pasta into the Instant Pot. Add the low sodium chicken broth and water. It’s essential not to stir at this point, as stirring could lead to a thick, gloopy texture due to the starches being released from the pasta.
  3. Spoon in the required amount of salt. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish, making every bite taste amazing.
  4. Close the lid securely on the Instant Pot. Set it to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. The quick cooking time ensures the macaroni is tender yet retains a slight bite, perfectly al dente.
  5. After 4 minutes, carefully perform a quick release to let out the steam. Open the lid immediately to prevent overcooking. You’ll notice how fluffy the pasta looks!
  6. Now it’s time to add the magic. Turn the Instant Pot to low sauté mode for 1 minute. This step allows the residual heat to melt the cheese without cooking it further.
  7. Stir in all of the cheeses: mild white cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese, along with the heavy cream, butter, and ground black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  8. Once the sauce is fully incorporated, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a bit more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
  9. Serve your Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

Notes

When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container and consume within 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream.