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Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy mac and cheese recipe made in the Instant Pot, ready in just 5 minutes with a smooth, cheesy texture and comforting flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 grams)
  • 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese (120 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (360 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups water (480 ml)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 8 ounces of elbow macaroni briefly under cold water to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Add the rinsed macaroni and 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Stir to ensure pasta is submerged.
  3. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Press Manual or Pressure Cook and set the timer to 4 minutes on high pressure.
  4. When the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting.
  5. Open the lid and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to melt the butter.
  6. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of small-curd cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
  7. Gradually fold in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is glossy and smooth.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk and stir. If too thin, use the ‘Sauté’ function on low for 1-2 minutes while stirring, watching closely to avoid curdling.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Rinse pasta before cooking to prevent sticking. Add shredded cheese gradually and stir constantly to avoid clumps. Use low heat when reheating to prevent curdling. Quick release pressure immediately after cooking to avoid overcooked pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, mac and cheese, creamy, quick recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-5-minutes-easy-and-perfect/