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a spoonful of mac and queso inside the instant pot
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5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Mac and Queso

This creamy and delicious mac and queso is made in the instant pot from start to finish! Made with just a handful of ingredients.
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time15 minutes
Saute10 minutes
Total Time26 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 8
Calories: 757kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cavatappi pasta
  • 4 1/4 cups water separated
  • 10 ounce canned rotel tomatoes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Add the cavatappi pasta, 4 cups of water, and 1/2 tsp salt to the instant pot. Close the lid and seal the valve.
  • Press the "pressure cook" function and cook for 3 minutes. Once the 3 minutes are up, do a quick release and open the lid.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the instant pot and press the "saute" function. Add the rotel tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and granulated garlic. Stir for 20 seconds.
  • Add the water and cream cheese but do not stir. Close the lid and press the "pressure cook" function. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Once the minute is up do a quick release and open the lid. Add the heavy cream, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Add a pinch of salt.
  • Press the "saute" function and cook for 8-10 minutes stirring frequently. Cook until the queso is nice and thick.
  • Once the sauce is thick, add the pasta and stir until well combined. Add the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  • Press the "saute function" and close the lid. Cook for 40 seconds or until the cheese on top melts. Add salt and pepper if needed, and enjoy warm!

Video

Notes

  • Time does not include the amount of time it takes for the instant pot to come to pressure. 
  • Do not stir the cream cheese until after it's cooked. 
  • Press the saute function and let the sauce cook until thickened to your liking while stirring frequently. 
  • Please read the instant pot manual before using it. 

Nutrition

Calories: 757kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 168mg | Sodium: 525mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1907IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 475mg | Iron: 2mg