Craving a quick, creamy, and irresistible meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this game-changing Instant Pot Mac Cheese with Corn! In just 15 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the sweet, fresh burst of corn. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Measure out all ingredients and have them ready near your Instant Pot.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot inner pot, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.
- Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni to the water, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of corn kernels over the macaroni, distributing them uniformly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting.
- Set the cooking time to 4 minutes at high pressure, which will perfectly cook the pasta and corn.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta and corn, checking that pasta is al dente.
- Add 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot.
- Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most creamy sauce - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
- Make sure to distribute the macaroni and corn evenly in the pot to ensure uniform cooking.
- Perform a quick release immediately after cooking to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- For a protein boost, you can add diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded chicken to the mac and cheese.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 481kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 56mg
