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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - Seasoning: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping To make Instant Pot mac and cheese, gather these main ingredients. The elbow macaroni forms the base. The vegetable broth adds rich flavor. I love using frozen spinach for ease and nutrition. Canned artichoke hearts bring a unique taste and texture. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar and softened cream cheese create a creamy blend. Seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder enhance the dish. Finally, grated Parmesan adds a perfect finish. - Cooked bacon or ham - Diced tomatoes - Additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, peas) You can customize your mac and cheese with fun add-ins. Cooked bacon or ham gives a savory twist. Diced tomatoes add brightness and freshness. Extra veggies like bell peppers or peas increase nutrition and color. - Gluten-free pasta alternative - Non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan version If you need alternatives, don't worry. Use a gluten-free pasta to suit your diet. For a vegan version, swap the cream cheese for non-dairy cream cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy comfort meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Select the Sauté mode. This starts the cooking process right away. - Heat the pot for a few minutes before adding ingredients. This step brings out the best flavors. - Combine 8 oz elbow macaroni and 4 cups vegetable broth in the pot. Stir well to coat the pasta. - Secure the lid tightly. Set the valve to Sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. This will cook the pasta just right. - After cooking, carefully switch the valve to Venting. This releases the steam. - Open the lid and add 1 cup of spinach, 1 cup of artichokes, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1 cup of cream cheese. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. - Mix everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste it and adjust salt as needed. Enjoy making this creamy comfort dish using the Full Recipe! To avoid sticky macaroni, rinse the pasta before cooking. This helps remove excess starch. Use enough liquid; the pasta needs space to cook well. Keep an eye on the cooking time. If the macaroni cooks too long, it may turn mushy. For a creamy sauce, blend in the cheeses slowly. Stir gently until they melt fully. Adding cream cheese is key for that rich texture. If it seems too thick, add more broth or a splash of milk. If your pasta is undercooked, add a little more broth and cook on high for a few minutes. Check for doneness after each minute until perfect. To adjust flavors, taste before serving. If it needs salt, sprinkle a bit in. For depth, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or spices like paprika. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop vegetables, measure cheese, and gather all items. This makes the cooking process smooth and quick. Using the Instant Pot efficiently is vital. Always ensure the lid is sealed before starting. When you finish cooking, use the quick release method. This saves time and keeps your meal hot. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for a new twist. Try using Gouda for creaminess. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and mild taste. You can also explore plant-based cheese alternatives. These options work well for vegan diets. They melt nicely and taste great. Spice things up with paprika or cayenne pepper. A small dash adds warmth and depth. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. These herbs bring a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Turn your mac and cheese into a casserole. Just layer it with breadcrumbs and bake until golden. This method adds a crunchy top that contrasts the creamy inside. You can also serve it as a side dish at dinner. It pairs well with chicken, fish, or veggies. Enjoy it as a main course too. It’s filling and comforting, perfect for any day. For the full recipe, check out the creamy spinach and artichoke version. To store your mac and cheese in the fridge, first let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. It can last in the fridge for about three to five days. For freezing, portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. This helps you thaw just what you need later. You can freeze it for up to three months. You can reheat mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. For stovetop reheating, warm it in a pot over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Always add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. This will help bring back that smooth texture. In the fridge, your mac and cheese lasts about three to five days. If it develops an off smell or unusual color, it’s best to discard it. Signs of spoilage can include mold or a dry texture. When in doubt, throw it out. Enjoy your delicious dish safe and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Yes, you can! If you skip the cream cheese, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both add creaminess and a nice tang. You can also use more shredded cheese to keep the dish rich. Just make sure to adjust the liquid amount to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Absolutely! Doubling the recipe is easy. Just use twice the ingredients. Keep an eye on the Instant Pot's max fill line. If you fill it too high, it may not cook evenly. Cooking time usually stays the same, but check the pasta for doneness. If it needs more time, add a minute or two. To make your mac and cheese super cheesy, add different types of cheese. Try mozzarella for stretchiness or Gouda for a smoky flavor. Mixing cheeses makes the dish rich and fun. Also, grate the cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded. This helps it melt better and taste amazing. This blog post breaks down how to make delicious Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. You learned about key ingredients, including macaroni, cheese, and fresh veggies. I shared tips to ensure perfect texture and answered common questions. You can customize the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. In the end, this dish is quick, tasty, and so versatile. Try it out, and enjoy your creamy creation!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Discover the ultimate creamy spinach and artichoke Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe! This delicious comfort food is quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes, and packs a ton of flavor with ingredients like sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and vibrant spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will delight your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Salt, to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Instant Pot: Begin by selecting the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. This setting will heat the pot and allow you to cook the macaroni directly in the broth for optimal flavor and convenience.

    Combine Ingredients: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid.

      Cook the Pasta: Close the lid securely and position the valve to the Sealing position. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the cooking time has finished, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release the steam quickly.

        Add Creaminess: Once the lid is safely opened, incorporate the thawed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the pot. Gently mix all the ingredients together until the cheeses melt beautifully and create a rich, creamy sauce.

          Season: Taste your mac and cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt as necessary to enhance the flavors.

            Serve: Spoon the delicious mac and cheese into bowls and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on each serving for a delectable finish.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 15 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, serve the mac and cheese in individual bowls or transfer it to a large serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a vibrant touch of color and freshness. A light dusting of paprika on top will provide a delightful visual contrast and an extra layer of flavor!