Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that's not just another boring side dish, but a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance! This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Green Chiles is the ultimate comfort food hack that transforms the classic mac and cheese into a mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone craving a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the elbow macaroni under cold water to remove excess starch and help prevent clumping during cooking.
- Add the rinsed macaroni and 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot inner pot. Ensure the water covers the pasta completely.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting position to release steam.
- Open the lid and drain any excess water, leaving just a small amount of liquid to help create the sauce.
- Add the diced green chiles, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk to the cooked pasta. Stir gently to combine and help the cheese melt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and creates a creamy sauce.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional green chiles or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Pasta: Always rinse the elbow macaroni before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures a smoother texture.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth.
- Don't Overcook: The 4-minute pressure cook time is crucial. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta, so stick to the recommended time.
- Quick Release is Key: Perform a quick release immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overdone pasta.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese off the heat and stir gently to create a creamy, smooth sauce without burning.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of green chiles to match your spice preference. For extra kick, use hot green chiles; for milder flavor, choose mild varieties.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and develop maximum flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 841kcal
Carbohydrates: 89g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 83mg
