Instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is a creamy, hearty dish the whole family will love. Plus, it can be made in under 15 minutes from start to bowl!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
I love making this instant pot mac and cheese that just happens to be gluten-free. It literally takes under 10 minutes and my kids love it! You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling dish.
I’ve definitely been on an instant pot kick lately. Mostly because it’s so easy but also because I don’t have to heat up my house when cooking.
We’ve been making everything from main dishes like, creamy Italian chicken and my mother-in-law‘s famous hamburger soup to desserts and appetizers.
Enjoy this meal with our gluten-free green bean casserole and homemade fried onions plus a virgin margarita or our non-alcoholic gin and tonic for a lovely dinner and drink combo.
Gluten-Free Pasta
Not all gluten-free paths are created equal. They have come along ways since I was diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago.
I remember trying GF pasta for the first time back then and it was so mushy and not appetizing at all. Over the years, I have found a few brands that I really enjoy using because nobody can tell they are missing that binder.
I love Jovial brand! It is hand made in Italy and truly tastes FANTASTIC! My family also loves it and they don’t have to eat gluten-free.
These pastas also work great in our gluten-free chicken parmigiana or gluten-free chicken noodle soup as well since they don’t get mushy when cooked.
Another brand I use and enjoy, especially in this recipe, is the Ronzoni rotini noodles. They are available at most groceries stores and on Amazon. You can also use them to make Italian pasta salad.
How do you make this a one pot dinner?
I like using leftover meat in it to create an entire meal with carbs and protein. Truly the possibilities with protein are endless.
Bacon is an obvious choice but chicken, ground beef and sausage all work great also. If you need another great one pot meal, give this Instant Pot pasta primavera or Cajun Mac and cheese from Salted Plains a try.
Ingredients you will need
- gluten-free pasta
- water
- butter
- milk
- cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
- and a SECRET INGREDIENT
What is the secret ingredient?
This recipe came from my sister Tera. She made it when I stayed at her house and I couldn’t believe how amazing it was! I added in a secret ingredient that I use in all of my creamy sauces…nutmeg.
It truly warms up any dish and adds a new depth of flavor. Now when people ask you what your secret ingredient is for the best ever macaroni and cheese you can also say, fresh ground nutmeg.
How to make the Instant Pot mac and cheese
Can you make it dairy-free?
By using dairy-free milk, butter and cheese you can absolutely make this a dairy-free Mac n cheese. I personally recommend Violife dairy-free cheese and Earth Balance dairy-free butter sticks.
If you need something simple to serve at a party, then this instant pot artichoke dip is definitely a crowdpleaser.
Some other great instant pot recipes include Mongolian beef from my friend Chrystal at Gluten-Free Palate and Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup from Erin at Meaningful Eats.
If you like this recipe be sure to check out these other easy Instant Pot meals…
Instant pot gluten free spaghetti in under 10 minutes- The kiddos love this one!
Instant pot shredded beef taco soup- This is a great meal to make with that leftover Sunday roast.
Hamburger soup in the instant pot (This is my favorite soup EVER!)
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Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free rotini pasta (Ronzoni or Jovial brand works best)
- 3 2/3 C water
- 3 T butter
- 1 1/4 C milk
- 2 C shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2-1 tsp. salt (depending on level of saltiness you like)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add water and pasta to pressure cooker
- Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes
- Quick release pressure (drain excess water if needed)
- Add butter, milk, salt and cheese
- Stir until melted then grate in nutmeg and stir gently again
Hello, ours came out liquidy and soupy. Wondering what we possibly did wrong or what we could do differently next time? I
You might have added a bit too much water. I would drain some water from noodles after cooking if needed before adding the remaining ingredients. I will make that note in the recipe. Thanks! 🙂
We haven’t made the recipe yet. I can’t find ground nutmeg right now during the pandemic. Can we use ground and if so how much?
Yes 🙂
So convenient to get this family favourite in such a short time! Love the idea of adding nutmeg, it’smy favourite spice to add to bechamel!
I have instant pot mac and cheese on my blog and we love it. Now it’s time for me to try this gluten free mac and cheese. Looks delicious!
It’s so simple and delicious! Instant pots are such a game changer. I love that the recipe list is short, but it totally delivers on the flavor. Thank you!
You bet, thanks for stopping by Sara!
Oooh the nutmeg is such a fun touch to this delicious mac and cheese recipe!
Thanks Alena, it is great for taking it up a notch for sure 🙂
It seriously blows my mind how quickly and easy this came together! By far one of the quickest dinners I’ve ever made, and it tasted great, nutmeg was a tasty addition!
Thanks Mikayla, so happy to hear this! We love the nutmeg too 🙂
One of my favorite meals just got easier by making it in the instant pot. Creamy comfort food!
Thanks Sharon, delicious and easy are a good combination 🙂
This looks SO good and creamy and satisfying and I can’t believe its gluten free! Delicious!
I really love Mac and Cheese! This Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese looks really delicious and mouthwatering. I love the creaminess of this dish. I will try making this on my instant pot.
15 minutes from start to bowl? Yes please! My kiddos LOVE mac and cheese but my daughter has a dairy sensitivity. This recipe is perfect because I can actually use dairy free milk and cheese!
Definitely, easy to make it dairy-free, we do for our two year old.
This recipe is delicious, easy and so creamy and comforting. I will definitely be making again. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Colleen, I am so glad you loved it!
No matter how you make it, mac and cheese is a hit with everyone. Loved by ALL kids and adults. Make a huge batch…because you know….leftovers are perfect too.
If I add meat does the cooking time change?
You would just stir in precooked meat to the hot Mac n cheese after it’s cooked and you’d be fine.
Have you cooked a double recipe in the instant pot? Any additional time needed? I’m newer to using the instant pot and want to make this for my daughter’s birthday party. Sounds delicious!
I haven’t because my IP isn’t big enough to double the recipe without water spilling everywhere when opening the quick release. I apologize that wasn’t much help…I hope you enjoy it thought! 🙂
This was so easy, I did put into a Pyrex dish to broil the shedded cheese on top. Perfect.
I am so happy you enjoyed it! My family always asks for this 🙂 Please come back for more easy recipes. I recommend the Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken.
My favorite mac n cheese! Even being a non GF eater!!
Me too!! It is the ABSOLUTE best and I have my sister to thank for this recipe. She was so sweet to share it with me. 🙂
Is it possible to make this in the crockpot or on the stove? If so, does the recipe change at all? Still need the water?
You definitely could! Just cook the noodles according to package directions making sure to drain the water. Then go ahead and add the remaining ingredients as directed. 🙂
Is this supposed to be a 12 ounce box of GF pasta? I haven’t seen 16 oz. GF and added 4 oz. and the noodles on top came out hard.
Yes I am so sorry! Making that change now…
Have you tried a lentil based pasta for this?
I haven’t Laura, but it’s worth a shot. 🙂