Name: Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
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

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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 to it’s an easy recipe!

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

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

I love making this instant pot mac and cheese with creamy sauce that just happens to be gluten-free. It literally takes under 10 minutes to make this easy gluten-free homemade Mac and cheese dinner and my kids love it!

I love that it doesn’t have artificial flavors and it doesn’t need any thickening from potato starch or sweet rice flour. You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling main dish though. My kids even like it served with our Instant Pot meatballs!

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.

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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 even when al dente 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 brown rice pasta! It is hand made in Italy and truly tastes FANTASTIC! My family also loves it and they don’t have to eat gluten-free. We also reeally like Ronzoni brand of gluten-free pasta.

Their 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.

You can use any gluten free noodles you like including corn pasta, chickpea pasta or gluten-free macaroni noodles.

Gluten-Free Mac and cheese in a blue spotted bowl

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 large 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 (I don’t recommend skim milk but you can use soy or coconut for a dairy free option)
cheddar cheese (but feel free to add a little parmesan cheese if you like as well or use dairy free cheese you like)
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

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.

If you need something simple to serve at a party, then this instant pot artichoke dip is definitely a crowdpleaser.

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.

Other variations…

You can easily add sharp cheddar, red peppers and spices like garlic powder to give it a bit more zing. You can add some pepper jack cheese and salsa to make it a bit more spicy.

If you want more of a baked Mac and cheese, you can cook it all up with the directions then put it into a baking dish. Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy topping and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

How do you store leftovers?

Leftovers of our homemade gluten-free Mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container and heated up in the microwave.

Need more Instant Pot inspiration?

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?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

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Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

4.66 from 38 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.

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: servings

Calories: 431kcal

Author: Chandice Probst

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

Video

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.