This Instant Pot mac’n’cheese is SO easy to make and is perfectly creamy! The ranch gives it a delicious pop of flavor! (Use your favorite ranch dressing or homemade if possible. This is the best EVER homemade ranch!)
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Macaroni and cheese is one of those dishes that you hear about all the time in Instant Pot circles. Just like hard boiled eggs, yogurt, ribs, etc, the Instant Pot makes this dish ridiculously easy to make. There’s no going back once you’ve seen for yourself.
One pot. No draining the pasta. Quick, hands-off cooking. Five minutes to a perfect cheesy sauce. EASY, EASY, EASY.
Mac’n’cheese is totally comfort food, but making it from scratch means that you control the ingredients and can make this creamy classic a little healthier.
Creamiest Instant Pot Ranch Mac’n’Cheese
If you’re not new here, you’ve certainly heard me talk about how much I love ranch. But not just any ranch. After perfecting my recipe for homemade ranch, I’ve become rather selective about my ranch choices.
I love the addition of ranch in this mac’n’cheese. It adds to the creaminess and also gives the dish a pop of flavor. You can use your favorite ranch dressing, or try making mine. I promise it won’t disappoint.
(You could also leave out the ranch if you don’t have it on hand).
As far as pasta goes, I am a big fan of Whole Foods’ brand pastas. I always stock up on a variety of pastas when I’m there. The pasta is delicious and it’s all $1-$2/pound.
I do not typically buy whole wheat pasta. I’ve yet to find a good one that doesn’t take the joy out of pasta for me. Whole Foods pasta’s sole ingredient is “durham wheat semonlina” and I’m totally okay with that.
Side note: If you are under the impression that everything at Whole Foods is overpriced, you may be surprised at my list of best buys (plus a price comparison with two popular grocery stores)! There are actually a lot of great deals!
To make this gluten-free :: You can make this mac’n’cheese gluten-free by substituting your favorite GF pasta. Determine the cook time by cooking the pasta for a third of the package directions. Substitute arrowroot for the flour to thicken the sauce.
Watch how to make Instant Pot Mac’n’Cheese ::
Don’t forget to let me know when you try this dish! Tag me on social media (@thispilgrimlife on Facebook and Instagram), and come back and comment here!
If you like healthy, from-scratch Instant Pot recipes, you can find more on my Instant Pot page, AND in my brand-new from scratch Instant Pot cookbook!
PrintCreamiest Instant Pot Ranch Mac’n’Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: pressure cooker
Description
This Instant Pot mac’n’cheese is SO easy to make and is perfectly creamy! The ranch gives it a delicious pop of flavor! (Use your favorite ranch dressing or homemade if possible. This is the best EVER homemade ranch!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried elbow macaroni
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (best EVER ranch dressing)
Instructions
- Combine the dried macaroni, water, and kosher salt in the Instant Pot. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, and set the cook time for 3 minutes on high pressure.
- When the cook time is complete, quick release the pressure.
- Stir the pasta to break up any clumps, then add the butter. (The butter is optional, but adds to the creaminess).
- Whisk together the milk and flour in a liquid measuring cup. Pour the milk mixture into the Instant Pot, then turn the pot on to Sauté. Bring the milk up to a simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. When the milk begins to bubble, turn off the Instant Pot, then add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the ranch and stir.
Vanessa Carns says
Now, I can be the COOL mom and have homemade Mac & Cheese at a moment’s notice! Thank you!!
Keery says
Where is the video? I clicked videos and don’t see a video link near the top?
Michelle says
This was so easy to make and everyone loved it. It was very creamy and not at all grainy as some one pot Mac and cheese recipes can be. I didn’t use ranch because I didn’t have it on hand but I would make this again.
★★★★★
Holly says
just made this today! Excellent 🙂
★★★★★
Michael S. says
This is the best mac n cheese I’ve ever tried! My family loves it. Thank you for this recipe, Lisa!
Laura Rivero says
Hi,
Can I triple the recipe and keep the same cook time?
Lisa says
You can, but with that much pasta, it may foam more when you release the pressure. You can do an intermittent release if that is the case. 🙂
Brenda Moore says
I made the ranch dressing Sunday for a family get together and everyone loved it. Since I have some left I will try it in the Mac and cheese. That is if I can part w it because it was so good on salad.
★★★★