15-30 min6-8 servingsamerican

Three-Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese

By Instant Pot Culinary Team

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6-8 servings

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15-30 min

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Easy

Three-Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese
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Recipe Details

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Total Time: 15-30 min

Cooking Technique: Pressure Cook

Cuisine: American, American

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb medium shells or any short dried pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp. dry mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh or fine dried bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
This is definitely an adult mac ’n’ cheese. The aromatic blend of cheeses creates a tangy, gooey, creamy meal. For a milder flavor, use all Cheddar cheese and leave out the dry mustard. The bread crumbs come together quickly while the pasta is cooking, and lend a just-from-the-oven finish.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine the shells, water, 1½ cups of the cream, 4 tablespoons of the butter, and the mustard in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Give the mixture a stir, then lock the lid in place and turn the valve to Sealing. Pressure Cook on High for 7 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the bread crumbs, if using. In a frying pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the bread crumbs and parsley, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, until the crumbs are well toasted, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  3. When the cooking program is complete, let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes, then turn the valve to Venting to quick-release any residual steam. Carefully remove the lid, add the cheeses, the remaining ½ cup of cream, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and stir to mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
  4. Divide among individual bowls, top with the herbed bread crumbs, if using, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

TIP Shells are an iconic pasta for this classic comfort food, but little diners might like smaller shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini.

About the chef

Instant Pot® Culinary Team

Instant Pot® Culinary Team

When life’s moving fast and dinner needs to happen faster, the Instant Pot Culinary Team is here to make it deliciously doable. We cook up recipes for every Instant Pot appliance you’ve got your hands on—so whether you’re tackling Tuesday night or going all-out for the weekend, you’ll have the flavor without the fuss. No overthinking, no babysitting, just good food that works with your schedule (not against it).

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