Go Back
For my savory Instant Pot mac and cheese, you need these ingredients: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping These simple ingredients create a creamy and delicious dish. The elbow macaroni serves as the base, while the vegetable broth adds depth. Frozen spinach and canned artichoke hearts give it a fresh twist. Sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese bring that rich creaminess we love. Garlic and onion powders add flavor, and black pepper gives a little kick. Finally, we finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. This dish is perfect for quick meals, and you can customize it to fit your taste! To start, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. This mode helps cook the pasta well. Add the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir the mixture to combine everything. This step is key for even cooking. Next, close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure to turn the valve to Sealing. Cook the pasta on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to Venting. This makes the pasta soft and ready for the next step. Now, open the lid and add the thawed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Then, mix in the sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Taste your dish and add salt if needed. Ladle the mac and cheese into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor. For a fun touch, serve with fresh parsley or a dash of paprika. This makes your dish look great! For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. To get the best creamy texture, use good cheese. I like sharp cheddar and cream cheese. They melt well and blend nicely. Stir the cheeses in when the pasta is hot. This helps them melt faster. If you want it creamier, add more cream cheese. You can also mix in a splash of milk for a smoother sauce. If you have some mac and cheese left, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. It stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add a little milk to keep it creamy. To make your dish look nice, use fresh herbs. Parsley and basil add color and flavor. Just chop them up and sprinkle on top. A dash of paprika adds a nice touch too. It gives a pop of color and a bit of spice. Serve in bowls or a big dish for sharing. This makes it look even more inviting. {{image_2}} Adding protein to your Instant Pot mac and cheese makes it heartier. You can use cooked chicken, turkey, or ham. Shrimp or bacon also work well. Just make sure to add pre-cooked meats. This way, you can heat them through while mixing with the cheese. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu or chickpeas. These add protein without meat. Simply fold them in after cooking the pasta. Cheese choice can change the flavor. Sharp cheddar is great, but feel free to experiment. You can use Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different tastes. Mixing cheeses adds depth. For a tangy twist, try goat cheese or feta. If you want a smoother texture, consider using cream cheese or Velveeta. Remember to adjust the amount based on your cheese preference. Vegetables can add color and nutrition to your dish. If you don’t have spinach or artichokes, use broccoli or peas. Cauliflower can also be a good substitute and adds creaminess. You can even use bell peppers or zucchini for a fresh taste. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. Add them after the pasta is done to keep them tender. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. To keep your Instant Pot mac and cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly. This helps keep it creamy and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. You can freeze mac and cheese if you want to keep it longer. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop the mac and cheese into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible. Label each bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating is easy! For the best results, use the stove. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat on low and stir often. If you use a microwave, place the mac and cheese in a bowl. Add a little milk and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it from drying out. Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese again! You can store Instant Pot mac and cheese for about three to five days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you're not sure when you'll eat it, freeze it! Just remember to let it cool before you freeze it. Yes, you can make it without cream cheese. If you skip it, your dish may not be as creamy. You could add more cheddar cheese or use a creamy vegan cheese. Both options work well for a tasty meal. Absolutely! You can change ingredients based on your diet. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. If you're vegan, swap regular cheese for plant-based cheese. You can also skip the spinach or artichokes if you prefer a simpler taste. The Full Recipe gives you a solid base to get creative! In this post, we explored a tasty Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe. We covered the ingredients you'll need, like elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese. Then, we provided clear steps to cook and make it creamy. I shared tips to perfect your dish and store leftovers. Lastly, we discussed options for variations and answered common questions. Enjoy this quick and easy meal any time. You can customize it for your taste and needs!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy spinach and artichoke instant pot mac and cheese! This easy recipe combines elbow macaroni, hearty spinach, and tangy artichokes, all enveloped in a luscious blend of cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is ready in just 15 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a cheesy delight that's sure to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Instant Pot: Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. This will allow you to cook the macaroni with the broth.

    Combine Ingredients: Add the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

      Cook the Pasta: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the time is up, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to Venting.

        Add Creaminess: Open the lid and stir in the thawed, drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated and the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.

          Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

            Serve: Ladle the mac and cheese into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 15 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the mac and cheese in individual bowls or a large serving dish, garnished with some fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of paprika on top adds a lovely contrast as well!