Imagine a comfort food classic that gets a magical autumn twist - this Instant Pot Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese is about to become your new obsession! In just 20 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of mac and cheese with the subtle, warm sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a quick gourmet meal, this recipe is so easy and delicious that it'll make you wonder why you've never added pumpkin to your mac and cheese before!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out precisely: elbow macaroni, broth, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings.
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the Instant Pot, then add the dry elbow macaroni. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting.
- Cook the macaroni on high pressure for 4 minutes, allowing for a quick and even cooking process.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Open the lid and stir in the pumpkin puree, creating a creamy base for the sauce.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Make sure your pasta is fully submerged in broth to ensure even cooking in the Instant Pot.
- Do a quick pressure release to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk instead of low-fat alternatives.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or add a sprinkle of parmesan for depth.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For a gourmet touch, top with crispy breadcrumbs or fresh chopped herbs before serving.
- This recipe is easily customizable - try adding bacon bits or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
