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    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Updated March 13, 2026 / By Natalie Mortimer

    Instant Pot mac and cheese is easier and better than boxed mac and cheese! My rich, creamy, homemade Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is everyone’s new favorite fast dinner. 

    A bowl of homemade quick & easy instant pot mac and cheese. Made with Parmesan, cheddar and perfeclty creamy.
    Photography by Gayle McLeod

    A Truly Instant Recipe For Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Thank goodness for the Instant Pot! That handy pressure cooking tool, plus my easy Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe equals perfect mac and cheese literally anytime the craving strikes. Just how fast is it to make creamy, amazingly delicious mac and cheese this way? SO FAST. And the results? SO good.  

    A bowl of homemade quick & easy instant pot mac and cheese. Made with Parmesan, cheddar and perfeclty creamy.

    Grab a bowl, because this creamy, cheesy, mac and cheese has only a few ingredients and is done in TEN MINUTES. While I love slower mac and cheese recipes when I’ve got more time, this easy recipe is ideal for hectic weeknights. 

    Add some broccoli on the side and you’re done.

    Elbow macaroni, cheddar, Parmesan, heavy cream, salt and pepper in prep bowl to make Instant Pot Mac and cheese.

    Why Our Readers Love This Recipe

    I have to say, I have made A LOT of Mac and cheese recipes and this was probably the easiest one yet--probably easier than the gross boxed stuff due to the "hands off-ness" of the instant pot. I will DEFINITELY be making this again. - Jenn

    water and elbow macaroni being added to an instant pot to make 10 minute macaroni and cheese
    Cooked macaroni being stirred with cheddar, Parmesan, cream, salt and pepper in an instant pot

    4 Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

    • Macaroni noodles: Or, you can use any small pasta shape. Cavatappi or shells work well.
    • Heavy cream: Some recipes call for milk, but heavy cream will yield the best results by a long shot. 
    • Cheese: I use a combo of Parm and cheddar cheeses, but as you can read in the comments below, people have used a variety of kinds of cheeses with great results! Just be sure to use cheese that melts well, like Jack cheese, mozzarella and Gruyére. Whatever cheese you use, make sure to grate it yourself for the best results. Pre-shredded cheeses usually have anti-caking agents added that make them grainy instead of creamy and melty. 
    • A pinch of salt. 
    An instant pot full of macaroni and cheese. A 10 minute easy weeknight dinner or cozy side dish.

    How to Make Macaroni and Cheese in the Instant Pot

    1. Add pasta, water and salt to your Instant Pot. 
    2. Lock the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes.
    3. Quick release the steam so the macaroni noodles don’t overcook.
    4. Add the cheese + cream. Open the lid and stir in the cheeses and heavy cream.
    5. Eat! That’s it. You’re done! 
    Creamy instant pot mac and cheese being stirred in an instant pot. A 10 minute easy weeknight dinner or cozy side dish.

    How to Store Leftovers + Tips For Creamy Macaroni

    • Leftovers are good in the fridge for 3-4 days. It does not freeze well.
    • DO buy an Instant Pot. I use the this one. If you’re still on the fence, here’s the 20 best Instant Pot recipes to help change your mind.
    • Tip: Don't drain the water out! The starchy pasta cooking water helps create the amazingly creamy cheese sauce.
    • Quick release is essential! If you don’t do it, the pasta will get mushy. 
    A bowl of homemade quick & easy instant pot mac and cheese. Made with Parmesan, cheddar and perfeclty creamy.

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    A bowl of homemade quick & easy instant pot mac and cheese. Made with Parmesan, cheddar and perfeclty creamy.

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

    Updated March 13, 2026

    By Natalie Mortimer

    • Serves:  6
    • Prep Time:  10 min
    • Cook Time:  4 min
    • Calories:  385

    Description

    This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a quick comfort food—rich, creamy, and ready in about 10 minutes. Made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and cheddar, it’s an easy homemade mac and cheese that’s way better than the boxed version. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a cozy side dish.

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      Ingredients

      • 1 pound elbow macaroni
      • 1 teaspoon sea salt
      • ¾ cup heavy cream
      • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
      • 2 cups shredded cheddar
      • Freshly cracked black pepper

      For serving (optional)

      • Cooked peas
      • Sriracha

      Method

      1. In an Instant Pot, combine the macaroni, 4 cups water, and salt. Secure the lid, close the valve, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Manually release the steam to prevent the noodles from overcooking.  A very small amount of water (1-2 tablespoons) should remain in the pot; drain any excess if needed.

        water and elbow macaroni being added to an instant pot to make 10 minute macaroni and cheese

      2. Add the cream, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir to combine until the cheese is melted. Add pepper, peas and sriracha if using. To serve, scoop into individual bowls. 

        A bowl of homemade quick & easy instant pot mac and cheese. Made with Parmesan, cheddar and perfeclty creamy.

      Related Recipes

      Nutrition Info

      • Per Serving
      • Amount
      • Calories 385
      • Protein 15 g
      • Carbohydrates 26 g
      • Total Fat 26 g
      • Dietary Fiber 1 g
      • Cholesterol 82 mg
      • Sodium 529 mg
      • Total Sugars 0 g

      Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

      Questions & Reviews

      Rated 4.9 stars by 16 readers

      or
      • Sean

        Hi there,

        Can I throw some meat in there? Like pancetta? What would you recommend and in what quantity? Thanks.

        Sure, just make sure to cook the meat separately and toss after the mac and cheese is finished. Any meat you typically like in mac and cheese will go great.

      • Susan

        How does one make this Mac N Cheese without an Instapot?

        This is a specific instant pot recipe. We also hav ea baked mac and cheese or a stovetop mac and cheese (more simple like this one) if you'd like to look either of those up. Hope you enjoy Susan.

      • Madison

        What are the equipment's that are needed?

        Measuring cups/spoons, an instant pot and something to stir with. Hope you enjoy Madison!

      • Ashish

        Will using sharp cheddar cheese be okay? What style cheddar cheese did the recipe originally intend?

        We used medium but sharp should be just fine! Hope you enjoy Ashish!

      • sam

        how many servings is this recipe

        6. Hope you enjoy!

      • Lisa

        This was the 2nd recipe I tried when I got my IP. I love this recipe and made it in my 6qt IP. I’d like to make this for my mom, but she has an 8qt IP. Will this recipe still work if I follow it exactly? Please help!

        Should be fine!

      • Regan

        This sounds amazing! Could I sub cauliflower florets for the pasta?

        You probably could but we have never cooked our cauliflower in the instant pot yet so that would definitely change the cook time. We'd love to hear if you give it a try.

      • trenton

        why is there so much salt

        Hi Trenton, the salt seasons the pasta from the inside out while it is cooking.

      • Nikki

        If I were to double this recipe in the instant pot would the cooking time remain the same? If not, what would the new cooking time be?

        Hi Nikki, we haven't tried cooking 2 lbs of pasta in our instant pot before. We wouldn't imagine you needing more time but you would probably need double the water. If you are worried about cook time we recommend not adding any more than one extra minute. Hope it urns out well, we'd love to hear how doubling it goes! Good luck!

      • Marn

        What kind of cheese do you recommend?

        1 cup Grated parmesan (whatever brand)
        2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (we like Tillamook)

      • Jamie

        5-star rating

        This is the third mac n cheese instant pot recipe I have tried. It is really good and by far my favorite! So glad I tried it!!

        Glad you loved it! Thanks Jamie!

      • Jennifer

        5-star rating

        I make this for my children a lot and they love it, this will be one of the family recipes we pass down to them.

        Thanks Jennifer, that is so special to hear. we are glad your family loves it!

      • Andrea

        5-star rating

        Soooo easy and tasty! I added a bit of garlic powder and ground pepper. What a great dinner option now that the weather is cooler.

        Thanks Andrea, we are so happy you loved it!

      • K

        5-star rating

        I teach an after school cooking class for middle school students and had to run this session 3 times because your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese was so popular. Great recipe.

        YAY! That is so fun to hear our recipe was used in your class and that they all loved it. Thanks K A!

      • Slava

        5-star rating

        I have never cooked anything besides an omlette, nevermind used a pressure cooker. Followed this recipe, made great mac and cheese, and my parents loved it. Very happy with it.

        Thanks Slava, happy you loved it! Great job making something new!

      • Ashley

        5-star rating

        The macaroni and cheese I made from your recipe I followed was delicious! I made this for a friend and they enjoyed it very much!

        Thanks Ashley, so happy you all enjoyed it!

      • JT

        5-star rating

        A few months back, I found a brand new, but dented, Instant Pot down by my local mall. After reading all the stories of people just absolutely in love with theirs, I was definitely wanting to start falling in love with ours, but was intimidated like so many others at first.
        However, this Mac & Cheese is a PERFECT first dish to try!!! It's soooooooooo goooood!!! As well as easy! Like, as easy as the boxed stuff with powdered "cheese", if not easier!!!
        I made it for the wife and we both loved it!
        I used a bigger, thicker pasta than traditional elbow, which needed to sit for a minute before QRing the pressure (thankfully I thought to let it sit), but probably could've used an extra minute of actual cook time. I also had a LOT of water left, so my IP was spitting more than just steam... Not sure if that's normal..?
        We used an Italian 6 cheese blend (Kroger brand) and Sharp Cheddar... It was soooo cheesy!!!!
        The ONLY part that wasn't completely awesome, and that I would caution others to be aware of... You want to eat it when it's just finished, before it cools. The fresher, the better! Just because cheese gets... like cheese gets as it cools.
        My wife made her delicious caramelized onions for it, and of course she had to have her ketchup, but we're both totally done with the boxed crap FOREVER!
        Best Mac & Cheese ever!!

        Thanks JT! We are so happy you loved this recipe! Different noodles have different cook times in the Instant Pot. You can check on their site for a chart about cook times for the specific noodles you are using so you don't end up with too much water at the end. Great job tackling your first Instant Pot recipe!

      • Jenn

        5-star rating

        I have to say, I have made ALOT of Mac and cheese recipes and this was probably the easiest one yet--probably easier than the gross boxed stuff due to the "hands off-ness" of the instant pot. I will DEFINITELY be making this again--maybe adding some cayenne and dry mustard next time ;)

        Oh that sounds good! Thanks for the review!

      • Kyla

        5-star rating

        Made this last night - it was phenomenal! Thanks for a great recipe. So easy and delicious. Will definitely be making it again many times in the future!

        Thank you Kyla! So happy you'll be making it again and again! We LOVE how easy and delicious this one is!

      • Kyla

        5-star rating

        Made this last night - it was phenomenal! Thanks for a great recipe. So easy and delicious. Will definitely be making again many times in the future!

        Yay! Love hearing this!

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