Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is quick, creamy, and hearty. It’s easy to make using pantry staples with less than 10 minutes of prep required!
Weight Watchers points included.
Love easy one-pot pasta recipes that you can get on the table with minimal time and effort? Then this cozy Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is going to be your new favorite family eat.
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Best Instant Pot Chicken Mac And Cheese
It is my go-to weeknight saviour recipe since it is quick, comforting and creamy and hearty with less than 10 minutes of prep and effort – so less time cooking and more time having fun and eating. Plus this cheesy chicken mac n cheese is full of simple pantry (and freezer) staples you already have and the whole family love it.
Yeap, this creamy macaroni and cheese with chicken is pretty much a dump and start recipe as no pre-cooking of the chicken is required. Just dump everything in the Instant Pot and press go, then stir in some dairy at the end. #instantpotforthewin
Make more delicious Instant Pot recipes like Cheesy Mac and Cheese, the easy to make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili and best ever Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta and really, really creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.
For something a bit different try this creamy Caribbean Instant Pot Rasta Pasta.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s soooo easy. Everything cooks together easily in one pot.
- Economical. All that’s needed is a handful of everyday ingredients.
- Great for meal prep. Can easily be assembled ahead of time and frozen until needed. Plus the leftovers keep well in the fridge and are great for lunches.
- It is family approved. Instant Pot Chicken Mac n Cheese is sooooo good that everyone will love it.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – boneless skinless chicken breast helps cut the calories.
- Pasta – I love using penne but other pasta shapes are good too.
- Herbs – homemade Italian seasoning or store bought add flavor.
- Cheese – sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese combo is awesome
- Chicken broth – the reduced sodium version.
- Dairy – butter, warm milk and heavy cream add aaaaaall the creaminess.
- Seasoning – salt and black pepper complete this.
Ready to learn just how easy it is to make Instant Pot Chicken Macaroni Cheese? Gather up your ingredients and I will show you how!
How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Mac And Cheese
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Add the chicken broth, macaroni, chicken, butter, onion powder, Italian Seasoning, and salt into the Instant Pot insert without mixing. Make sure the pasta is submerged.
- Place lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, select pressure cook / manual high pressure, set the timer for 4 minutes, and pressure cook until done.
- Allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) of 5 minutes and then Quick Release the rest (cover the vent as the liquid will spurt), then open the lid.
- Check the liquid (as chicken sometimes releases a lot of liquid) and scoop some out if there is too much.
- Quickly stir in the shredded cheese, warm milk, and cream, stirring until melted.
- Adjust seasonings as needed, add any toppings or mix-ins, and serve.
Expert Tips
- If you prefer, you can use reduced-sodium vegetable broth instead of just water.
- Keep the time under pressure to 4 minutes, any longer than that you will probably end up with mushy pasta.
- Use store-bought shredded cheese to save some time on this meal.
- You don’t need two different types of cheese. Use one if that is what you have, or change out the kind of cheese to suit your taste.
- This cheese sauce thickens up and does not need a cornstarch slurry.
- I have not made this with frozen chicken breasts – if you have those then thoroughly defrost them first before using.
- Cook time does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
Delicious Variations
This homemade chicken mac and cheese recipe is immensely adaptable. There are virtually limitless ways you can adapt and vary the flavors to suit your tastes and mood. Try some of these suggestions;
- Swap the meat – use turkey breast instead of chicken breasts.
- Add herbs and spices – add in oregano, garlic powder, sage, or parsley. Or try adding some Ranch dressing.
- Vary the cheese – use other cheese like cream cheese, Gruyere, or Colby Jack.
- Add heat – add in mustard, red pepper flakes, cayenne or chipotle.
- Swap the meat – instead of boneless chicken breast use diced turkey breast or boneless chicken thighs.
- Make creamier – feel free to add in a small amount of olive oil for extra flavor or use evaporated milk instead of cream.
Storage
- Prep Ahead – This can be cooked up to a few days in advance and reheated.
- Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Follow the handy tips below for how to freeze this. Transfer pasta into these convenient meal prep containers. Label and store in the freezer for 2 months. To make reheating easier, freeze in the right portion sizes that you need for the future.
FAQ’s
I have made this Instant pot macaroni and cheese with chicken recipe with fusilli, penne, and elbow macaroni pasta with great success in this one pot meal.
I have not yet tried this recipe with gluten-free pasta which can go mushy in the pressure cooker. But please let me know if you try it.
Pasta needs to be submerged during pressure cooking or it will not soften and cook.
Other Instant Pot Comfort Meals
Want more family friendly easy recipes> Then check out these below.
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken.
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili.
- Easy Mediterranean Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes.
- Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice.
- Instant Pot Pot Roast.
- Instant Pot Chili.
- Instant Pot Red Rice and Beans.
- Instant Pot Sloppy Joes.
- Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti.
- Instant Pot Ramen.
- You can also try this stovetop Rasta Pasta Recipe.
Tools Needed
- Your trusty Instant Pot.
- Handy measuring cups and spoons.
- Spatula for mixing.
- A sharp knife.
- Meal prep containers.
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Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups reduced-salt chicken broth
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 pound skinless chicken breast cubed
- 1 1/2 tablespoon butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add the chicken broth, macaroni, chicken, butter, onion powder, Italian Seasoning, and salt into the Instant Pot insert without mixing. Make sure the pasta is submerged.
- Place lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, select pressure cook / manual high pressure, set the timer for 4 minutes, and cook until done.
- Allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) of 5 minutes and then do a Quick Pressure Release (cover the vent as the liquid will spurt), then open the lid.
- Check the liquid (as chicken sometimes releases a lot of liquid) and scoop some out if there is too much.
- Quickly mix in the cheese, warm milk, and cream, stirring until melted.
- Adjust seasonings as needed, add any toppings or mix-ins, and serve.
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Notes
- If you prefer, you can use reduced-sodium vegetable broth instead of just water.
- Keep the time under pressure to 4 minutes, any longer than that you will probably end up with mushy pasta.
- Use store-bought shredded or grated cheese to save some time on this meal.
- You don’t need two different types of cheese. Use one if that is what you have, or change out the kind of cheese to suit your taste.
- Cooking time does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
- Store – Refrigerate for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months.
The instructions say “Check the liquid…and scoop some out if there is too much.” What’s too much? How much are we looking for there?
Can I use frozen chicken breasts
This is total comfort food, and it’s super easy to prepare in an IP. This is definitely a repeat recipe for my family.
This mac and cheese recipe looks incredible! Love how quick it is to make too, thanks for the recipe!
So good. My family loved it. Can you double the recipe?
I had no idea how easy it was to make mac and cheese in the instant pot!! My kids are going to love this!
The sharp cheddar cheese made all the difference – so cheesy and delicious!
What a great idea using the instant pot to make mac and cheese! It looks so creamy and delicious and I know my family will love this!