You won’t have to worry about picky eaters with this easy, cheesy meal of pasta, chicken and, of course, loads of cheese. Kids and adults alike love this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Make a double pot so you’ll have leftovers. Trust us… you’re going to need them!
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You know how frustrating it is when everyone in your family seems to want something different for dinner? Ugh. It can make for lots of time in the kitchen and sideways glances thrown at your family members. Not that I know that from experience. Not at all.
But with this recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’ll have a winner with everyone. It’s cheesy, hearty and so, so good. Pair it with a green veggie on the side, and you’re all set with a delicious meal that everyone in your family will love.
The best part is that you can do this with leftover chicken to make it even faster. We always seem to have some on hand.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pounds of boneless chicken (breast or thigh meat are fine… or use rotisserie chicken leftovers!)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dry pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1-2 tablespoons Dijon or dry mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheese of your choice (Colby Jack was used in this version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until translucent, stirring frequently.
Step 2: Add your chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain grease, if necessary, and set aside in a medium-size bowl. If your chicken is already cooked, you can skip this step and go for step #3.
Step 3: Add water and dry pasta to your Instant Pot. Stir together, making sure all of the pasta is submerged in water.
Step 4: Set Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Lock lid and set the vent to “sealing.” When cooking time ends, release pressure by venting and wait for steam to completely stop before opening lid. Remove pasta and add to the bowl of chicken.
Step 5: Press sauté function on Instant Pot. Add cream, mustard, flour, and thyme to pot. Stir continuously until mixture is thickened; about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Add chicken and pasta back to the pot.
Step 7: Stir in cheese and allow to melt. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese Printable Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thigh meat
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dry pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1-2 tablespoons Dijon or dry mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheese of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Add the olive oil and butter and allow it to sizzle. Add garlic cook for 1-2 minutes or until translucent. Stir regularly.
- Add your chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain grease and set aside in a medium-size bowl.
- Add water and then your dry pasta to your Instant Pot and stir together to be sure the pasta is submerged in the water
- Set Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Lock lid and make sure vent is closed. When cooking time ends, release pressure and wait for steam to completely stop before opening lid. Remove pasta and add to the bowl of chicken.
- Press sauté function on Instant Pot. Add cream, mustard, flour, and thyme to pot. Stir continuously until mixture is thickened; about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken and pasta back to the pot.
- Stir in cheese and allow to melt. Serve immediately.
We hope you enjoy this easy Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe!
For more Instant Pot dinner recipes, try these yummy ideas:
