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a bowl filled with instant pot pumpkin mac and cheese ands garnished with toasted pecans
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Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a delectable fall version of everyone's favorite comfort food!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Western
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 446kcal

Ingredients

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Ingredients;

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter cubed
  • 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 2/3 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings;

  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions

  • Add the macaroni, water, salt into the Instant Pot insert.
  • Top with pumpkin purée, butter, onion powder, and pumpkin pie spice but do not mix
  • Place lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, and select pressure cook (or manual) high pressure, for 4 minutes.
  • Allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) of 5 minutes and then do a Quick Pressure Release (cover the vent as it will spurt everywhere).
  • Open the lid and quickly stir in the cheeses, warm milk, and cream. mix until combined and cheese is melted, then adjust seasonings, add any toppings or mix-ins, and serve.

Notes

  • Do not mix the pumpkin in before cooking or you will end up with the dreaded burn notice.
  • For extra flavor, you can use reduced-salt chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water. Just keep an eye on the amount of salt you add in then.
  • 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 to add two different kinds of cheese; it's fine to use one if that is what you have. Or change out the types 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 5402IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 334mg | Iron: 2mg