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Home » Recipes » Instant Pot » Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

January 29, 2020 By Chandice | 39 Comments | Updated June 19, 2020

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Instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is a creamy, hearty dish the whole family will love. It literally takes under 10 minutes and the kids will love it! You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling dish.

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!Overhead shot of gluten-free Mac and cheese in a bowl with gold spoon

Instant Pot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

I love making this gluten-free instant pot mac and cheese because 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. 

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.

You can find them at Walmart and on Thrive market. Plus, you can get 25% off your first purchase! I use Thrive every month because they pass along all the savings to their customers and you get it for what they do. 

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.Gluten-Free Mac and cheese in a blue spotted bowl

What is the secret ingredient in the BEST Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese?

This gluten-free mac and cheese 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 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.

How to make the Instant Pot mac and cheese 

You can make this easy dish in under 15 minutes and that includes the build up of pressure in the Instant Pot (here is the Instant Pot I use)! Just follow these simple steps…
Step one: Add water and pasta to pressure cooker
Step two: Grate fresh cheddar cheese
Pro Tip: Use fresh cheddar for the best results. If you want to get creative, you can add other cheeses here as well but keep it to the 2 cups we call for in the ingredients.
Step three: Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes

Step-by-step instructions for gluten-free Mac and cheese

Step four: Quick release pressure then add butter, milk, salt and cheese
Step five: Stir until melted then grate in nutmeg and stir gently again
Step six: Serve hot
Pro Tip: Fresh grated nutmeg really is an amazing spice. They are surprisingly easy to find and add and amazing depth and warmth to this pasta dish. 

Creamy Mac and cheese being spooned out of an Instant Pot

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. 

Our lavender crème brûlée and pineapple upside down cake are the perfect ending to this or any meal. And 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!)

Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
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Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

Instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is a creamy, hearty dish the whole family will love. It literally takes under 10 minutes and the kids will love it! You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling dish.
4.52 from 27 votes
This instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese 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.
PRINT RECIPE
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, gluten-free, gluten-free mac and cheese, Instant Pot, instant pot mac and cheese, kid-friendly
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 431kcal
Author: Chandice Probst

Ingredients

  • 1 12 oz. box of 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 tsp. salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add water and pasta to pressure cooker
  • Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes
  • Quick release pressure then add butter, milk, salt and cheese
  • Stir until melted then grate in nutmeg and stir gently again
  • Serve hot

Notes

Not all gluten-free paths are created equal. I love Jovial brand! It is hand made in Italy and truly tastes FANTASTIC! Another brand I use and enjoy, especially in this recipe, is the Ronzoni rotini noodles.
Pro Tip: Use fresh cheddar for the best results. If you want to get creative, you can add other cheeses here as well but keep it to the 2 cups we call for in the ingredients.
Pro Tip: Fresh grated nutmeg really is an amazing spice. They are surprisingly easy to find and add and amazing depth and warmth to this pasta dish. 

Nutrition

Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Calcium: 335mg | Iron: 1mg

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Filed Under: Featured, Instant Pot, Pasta Tagged With: 10 minute meals, instant pot, kids favorites, mac and cheese, pasta

Chandice of This Vivacious Life

Hi, I'm Chandice!

Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate says

    July 14, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    Hello, ours came out liquidy and soupy. Wondering what we possibly did wrong or what we could do differently next time? I

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      July 20, 2020 at 11:24 pm

      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! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kasey says

    May 6, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      May 7, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      Yes 🙂

      Reply
  3. Eva says

    April 30, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  4. Jo says

    April 27, 2020 at 11:32 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  5. Sara says

    April 27, 2020 at 4:13 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:02 am

      You bet, thanks for stopping by Sara!

      Reply
  6. Alena says

    April 27, 2020 at 3:38 am

    5 stars
    Oooh the nutmeg is such a fun touch to this delicious mac and cheese recipe!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:03 am

      Thanks Alena, it is great for taking it up a notch for sure 🙂

      Reply
  7. Mikayla says

    April 26, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:03 am

      Thanks Mikayla, so happy to hear this! We love the nutmeg too 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sharon says

    April 26, 2020 at 12:03 am

    5 stars
    One of my favorite meals just got easier by making it in the instant pot. Creamy comfort food!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:04 am

      Thanks Sharon, delicious and easy are a good combination 🙂

      Reply
  9. Paige says

    April 25, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    5 stars
    This looks SO good and creamy and satisfying and I can’t believe its gluten free! Delicious!

    Reply
  10. Chef Dennis says

    April 22, 2020 at 6:58 am

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  11. Aleta says

    April 21, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:04 am

      Definitely, easy to make it dairy-free, we do for our two year old.

      Reply
  12. Colleen says

    April 21, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is delicious, easy and so creamy and comforting. I will definitely be making again. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:05 am

      Thanks Colleen, I am so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  13. Gloria says

    April 20, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  14. Bridgett may says

    August 21, 2019 at 11:26 pm

    If I add meat does the cooking time change?

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      August 29, 2019 at 3:18 am

      You would just stir in precooked meat to the hot Mac n cheese after it’s cooked and you’d be fine.

      Reply
  15. Brandis says

    March 7, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      March 11, 2019 at 11:29 pm

      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! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Alison says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:17 pm

    5 stars
    This was so easy, I did put into a Pyrex dish to broil the shedded cheese on top. Perfect.

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      February 22, 2019 at 1:33 am

      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.

      Reply
  17. Tera says

    January 10, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    My favorite mac n cheese! Even being a non GF eater!!

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      January 11, 2019 at 5:46 am

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Brittany says

    August 22, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      August 24, 2018 at 4:34 am

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Cassandra L says

    August 19, 2018 at 9:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      August 21, 2018 at 3:32 am

      Yes I am so sorry! Making that change now…

      Reply
  20. Laura says

    July 18, 2018 at 4:57 pm

    Have you tried a lentil based pasta for this?

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      July 23, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      I haven’t Laura, but it’s worth a shot. 🙂

      Reply
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Chandice of This Vivacious Life

Hi there, I’m Chandice!

I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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