Easy Family Dinner
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
My Instant Pot was one of my husband’s best Christmas gift ideas. There are so many recipes out there that are so hands off which is perfect for having a little one. I am a Mac & Cheese addict and am always working on the best recipe for an easy family dinner.
The Mac & Cheese is an easy family dinner that takes 5 hands on minutes and is ready in about 30 minutes!
Stay tuned for a Halloween inspired take on this recipe!
quick dinner for a crowd!
Mac & Cheese is always a family favorite and this recipe can feed a huge and/or hangry family. It’s an easy family dinner for busy parents!
Through a few trials, I’ve came up with what I think is the creamiest cheesiest quick mac and cheese dish. It also feeds a crowd! I make this for parties since it has so many left overs when I make it for our family of 3!
How to
- Pour the box of elbow noodles and the chicken broth into the instant pot. The low sodium broth allows you to control the salt content easier.
- Close the lid and set it to sealing.
- Set the instant pot to high pressure and set the time for 3 minutes.
- Once the instant pot is finished, do a quick release and unlock the lid.
- Stir the pasta and add in the butter until melted. I always aim towards adding more butter.
- Add the cheese and 1 cup of milk. Stir to combine. If the cheese is not melting well, add more milk. If your sauce is too thin, turn on the instant pot to sauté for a few minutes – stir often if you turn it to sauté.
- Add the ground mustard and add the salt and pepper to taste. I typically add about a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and very little pepper.
The recipe holds up really well in the fridge! I recommend reheating it on the stove with a little butter and milk to get that initial creamy texture! It actually may be better reheated this way than the original…. SO Creamy and delicious!
The recipe costs less than $10 to make and feeds at least 6 people! You can always add some chicken or bacon bits to make it more substantial for an entire dinner. I also like to add some kale. I know it sounds crazy but the kale really adds a delicious nutty flavor with a kick of protein and a veggie!
Ingredients
- 1 16oz box of elbow noodles
- 2 12oz cans of low sodium chicken broth
- 2-4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3-4 cups of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1-1/2 cups of milk (the higher fat, the creamier)
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Easy family dinner in less than 30 minutes!
This recipe produces about 2 pounds of food…It’s a large meal for a family and is so affordable at less than $10. And it’s so creamy and delicious! It’s an easy family dinner!
Easy Family Dinner - Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Box Elbow Noodles
- 2 12 oz Cans Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 2-4 tbsp Unsalted Butter 4 tbsp recommended
- 3-4 cups Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1-1 1/2 cups Whole Milk Can opt for lower fat but it will be less creamy
- 1/4 tsp Ground Mustard
- To Taste Salt & Pepper Typically, it will be at least 1/4 tsp of salt
Instructions
- Pour the box of elbow noodles and the chicken broth into the instant pot.
- Close the lid and set it to sealing.
- Set the instant pot to high pressure and set the time for 3 minutes.
- Once the instant pot is finished, do a quick release and unlock the lid.
- Stir the pasta and add in the butter until melted. I always aim towards adding more butter.
- Add the cheese and 1 cup of milk. Stir to combine. If the cheese is not melting well, add more milk.
- Add the ground mustard and add the salt and pepper to taste.