Making spiral mac and cheese in an Instant Pot is quick, easy, and results in a creamy, delicious dish. Here’s a simple recipe for making **spiral macaroni (rotini) mac and cheese** in the Instant Pot:
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (1 pound) spiral pasta (e.g., rotini)
- 4 cups water or broth** (broth adds more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
1. Add Ingredients to Instant Pot:
1. Add Pasta and Liquid: Add spiral pasta (rotini) to the Instant Pot. Pour in 4 cups of water (or broth) to ensure the pasta is submerged.
2. Add Butter and Seasoning: Add butter, salt, and any optional seasonings (garlic powder and black pepper) for extra flavor.
2. Cook Pasta:
1. Set Instant Pot: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the pressure valve.
2. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High Pressure for 4 minutes. (Note: Use half the cooking time listed on the pasta package minus 1 minute for perfectly al dente pasta.)
3. Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, carefully quick release the pressure by turning the valve to "venting." (Be cautious of the hot steam!)
3. Add Cheese and Cream:
1. Stir Pasta: Open the lid, give the pasta a good stir, and make sure it’s not sticking.
2. Add Milk and Cheese: Add whole milk (or heavy cream) and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and creamy. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese at this point for extra flavor.
3. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a little extra garlic powder if needed.
4. Serve:
- Serve Warm: Serve the spiral mac and cheese warm. You can garnish with a little extra **cheddar cheese** on top or a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** for color.
Tips for Perfect Spiral Mac and Cheese:
- Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar cheese works great, but you can also mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for added flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Instant Pot pasta can get mushy if overcooked. Use the cooking time method (half of the package cooking time minus 1 minute) for the best texture.
- Creamy Texture: If the mac and cheese seems too thick, add a little more milk to adjust the consistency.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bacon Bits: Stir in some cooked bacon bits for added flavor.
- Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli to make it a complete meal.
- Hot Sauce: Add a few drops of hot sauce or mustard for a tangy kick.
Summary:
Making spiral mac and cheese in the Instant Pot is easy and yields creamy, perfectly cooked pasta in minutes. Just cook the pasta under pressure, stir in your favorite cheeses and cream, and enjoy a comforting dish with minimal effort. The Instant Pot takes the hassle out of stovetop stirring and delivers great results every time!
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