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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Green Chiles

    LAST UPDATED: November 4, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: May 9, 2019 By Toni Dash 54 Comments

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Green Chiles

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese title

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Green Chiles is ooey gooey homemade comfort food with 4 minutes cooking time! This is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever made (or eaten). Regular or gluten-free options.

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese title

    Homemade Mac and Cheese is a comfort food favorite.

    The difference between it and the boxed version is night and day.

    The only thing better than a creamy homemade macaroni and cheese is making it in the Instant Pot.

    It’s easy, creamy, cheesy and fast!

    Jump to:
    • Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
    • Green Chilies in Mac and Cheese? YES!
    • Ingredients in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    • Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
    • How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – Step by Step
    • Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
    • Is it OK to make Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot?
    • More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
    • Recipe

    Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese

    Making mac and cheese from scratch isn’t difficult but does take some time.

    Making it on the stove top (vs. pressure cooking) requires watching it, paying attention to making a good roux, carefully adding the milk and cheeses.

    When making it in the Instant Pot, the macaroni is cooked then the other ingredients added directly to the Instant Pot.

    The result is a creamy, rich mac and cheese that’s hard to beat!

    Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Green Chilies om white bowls

    A Special Ingredient

    This recipe uses Evaporated Milk which gives the Instant Pot Mac and Cheese a distinct richness.

    The milk solids are condensed in evaporated milk for a creamier consistency pasta.

    Green Chilies in Mac and Cheese? YES!

    This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect by itself.

    However adding a Mexican twist with some green chiles is delicious!

    Choose mild or hot diced green chiles (canned) to add some tangy southwestern flavor to this delicious side dish.

    And if green chiles AREN’T for you, leave them out! They are the last step so it’s easy.

    And if you DO like those flavors….

    Creamy Roasted Green Chile Chicken Macaroni and Cheese  is a long time family favorite and a satisfying one pot meal.

    Creamy Mini Mexican Macaroni-and-Cheese is another spicy version that is served in individual containers (everyone loves that).

    Homemade mac and cheese with green chilies

    Ingredients in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    The ingredients in this easy Instant Pot recipe are available at any grocery store!

    • Elbow Macaroni Pasta (regular or gluten-free)
    • Water
    • Kosher Salt
    • Evaporated Milk
    • Dry Mustard Powder
    • Unsalted Butter
    • grated Mild or Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    • canned Diced Green Chiles (Mild or Hot)
    • 6 quart Instant Pot

    gluten-free elbow macaroni pasta in an Instant Pot

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

    Before developing this recipe, I’d read lots about how gluten-free pasta won’t work in the Instant Pot. Not so.

    Here’s a secret! The homemade Mac and Cheese in the photos IS made with gluten-free pasta and it is perfect.

    The gluten-free brand I used for this easy mac and cheese recipe is Tinkyada elbow macaroni.

    It is a brown rice pasta with great flavor and reliable wheat-like texture.

    How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – Step by Step

    For detailed instructions or a printable version of the recipe, use the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    STEP 1. Combine ingredients

    Combine the elbow pasta, water and salt in the insert of the 6 qt Instant Pot (photos 1-2). Stir and secure the lid; set the pressure vent to SEALING.

    STEP 2. Cook

    Select MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE and using the “+/-” buttons select 4 minutes (photo 3).

    STEP 3. Prepare mix in ingredients

    While the cooking the pasta, whisk together the evaporated milk and mustard. Prepare the cheese and green chilies (photo 4).

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipes steps collage 1

    STEP 4. Release

    When cooking is completed do a QUICK RELEASE and leave the Instant Pot on the “KEEP WARM” setting.

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipes steps collage 2

    STEP 5. Finish

    Add the butter, evaporated milk with the mustard and stir to melt the butter (photo 5).

    Add the cheese in batches, stirring between each addition until all the cheese has melted (photo 6-7).

    Add the green chiles and stir to combine (photo 8).

    Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

    • Water in the Instant Pot after cooking the Macaroni:
      • If only a small amount of water, stir it into the pasta.
      • Larger amounts of water (can vary by type of pasta) can be drained.
    • When removing the Instant Pot lid after cooking the pasta there may be foam. Allow a minute or two for the foaming to subside.
    • Add the grated cheese in batches, allowing each batch to melt before adding the next.
    • Store-bought grated cheese can be used but may take longer to melt. It is usually coated with an ingredient to keep it from sticking which makes it slower to melt.

    Is it OK to make Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot?

    When I originally developed this recipe in 2017, I found an interesting notation.

    On the Instant Pot website, I found a video for making mac and cheese with comments saying how great it is.

    In the comment section were viewer questions about making macaroni in the Instant Pot.

    The comment said doing so is in contradiction of ‘rule #8’ of the User’s Manual.

    Instant Pot Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Green Chilies

    I checked the Instant Pot users manual and indeed rule #8 lists foods which can foam or froth. 

    Macaroni is one of them. The foam can clog the steam valve apparently.

    I consulted with Instant Pot recipe development experts recipes who claim to have made macaroni often with no issue.

    PRO TIP: Clean the lid and steam valve (per the manual’s instructions) after making macaroni. This will ensure no starchy particulate builds up in the steam valve.

    More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint
    • Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Instant Pot Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice
    • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
    • Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

     

    5 MIND-BLOWING INSTANT POT TIPS YOU NEED!
    I’ve uncovered some unexpected, useful tips you’ll want to know.

    Sign-Up below and I’ll tell you all my Instant Pot secrets!

    Bowls of homemade Instant Pot Mac and Cheese in white bowls

    Try Pumpkin Baked Mac and Cheese too! 

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    Instant Pot Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Green Chilies

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Green Chilies

    This macaroni and cheese recipe is creamy and luscious with a great blending of flavors. Adding the diced green chiles give just a bit of spiciness and tang. It can be made leaving those out too since they are added at the end of the recipe.
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 11 cups mac and cheese
    Calories: 435kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound (16 ounces) Gluten-Free Elbow Pasta (I used Tinkyada Brown Rice Elbow Pasta)
    • 4 cups Water
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • 1 12-ounce can can Evaporated Milk
    • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
    • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
    • 20 ounces grated Mild Cheddar Cheese
    • 2 4-ounce cans Diced Green Chiles (Mild or Hot), drained
    • 6 quart Instant Pot

    Instructions

    • Combine the elbow pasta, water and salt in the insert of the 6 qt Instant Pot. Stir and secure the lid; set the pressure vent to SEALING.
    • Select MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE and using the “+/-” buttons select 4 minutes. 
    • While the Instant Pot comes to pressure, whisk together the evaporated milk and mustard. Prepare the cheese and green chilies.
    • When the 4 minutes has completed do a QUICK RELEASE and leave the Instant Pot on the “KEEP WARM” setting (it will automatically change to that after the quick release). Note: when the lid is opened, the pasta water may have foamed up but it will quickly subside.
    • Add the butter, evaporated milk with the mustard and stir to melt the butter.
    • Add the cheese in 3 batches, stirring between each addition until all the cheese has melted and has become creamy (note: if using purchased grated cheese it may take a few additional minutes to melt).
    • Add the green chiles and stir to combine.

    Video

    Notes

    Time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure is not included in the Total Time. It should average around 10 minutes.  
    If using gluten/wheat macaroni: If there is water present after cooking the pasta it can be drained or if only a small amount be stirred into the pasta and remaining ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 646mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 463mg | Iron: 0.9mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: March 16, 2017

    « Creamy Ginger Scalloped Sunchokes
    Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Every Meal of the Day »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Comments

    1. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      May 09, 2019 at 7:52 am

      5 stars
      I love that this only takes a few minutes. This sounds like the most deliciously flavourful comfort food.

      Reply
    2. lauren kelly says

      May 09, 2019 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      I love that you made this in the IP! And I love the green chilis!

      Reply
    3. Sommer says

      May 09, 2019 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      Love the flavor of the chilies in this!

      Reply
    4. Chelsea says

      May 09, 2019 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      Who knew Mac and cheese could get better than it already is? It does!! Such an awesome recipe! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Julia says

      May 09, 2019 at 7:07 am

      5 stars
      I so love the addition of green chilies here! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    6. kim says

      May 09, 2019 at 6:58 am

      5 stars
      Love this easy, instant pot recipe! So much flavor and my kiddos gobbled this up!

      Reply
    7. Emily says

      May 09, 2019 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe. And thanks for those IP tips. I never thought to clean out the valve before.

      Reply
    8. Claudia Lamascolo says

      May 09, 2019 at 6:39 am

      5 stars
      As many times as I have baked Mac and cheese it sure has never looked this creamy and delicious what an awesome way to make this in that instant pot thanks for this recipe. I need to get mine out! ASAP

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        May 09, 2019 at 6:46 am

        I completely agree Claudia from my experience too!

        Reply
    9. Sandy says

      April 18, 2019 at 9:47 am

      Do you think you could make this in a crock pot instead?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 18, 2019 at 11:41 am

        Hi Sandy. Unfortunately crock pots and pressure cookers cook completely differently so I don’t think you could just put this same recipe in a crock pot without reworking it.

        Reply
    10. Kimberly says

      August 31, 2018 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      this came out amazing!
      followed all the instructions, everything happened exactly as described.
      then… omg… deliciousness.
      …. and gluten free… happy dance!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        September 01, 2018 at 7:45 am

        Yay! Thanks for letting me know Kimberly. I can’t make this too often or I wouldn’t eat anything else. It’s so creamy and good!

        Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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