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!
Serve it up in a big pot for guests along with our grazing table and chocolate orange cake for dessert. Or give our gluten-free ramen and tater tot casserole a try if you really love nostalgic dishes.
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! Try it with our 3-ingredient gluten free egg noodles.
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.
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We’ve been making everything from main dishes like, creamy Italian chicken, instant pot lasagna and my mother-in-law‘s famous hamburger soup to desserts and appetizers. This Instant Pot chicken pasta and pulled pork pasta are two other quick and delicious Instant Pot dish.
Enjoy this meal with our gluten-free green bean casserole with homemade fried onions and blackened salmon 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 pastas 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. Here is how to make instant pot pasta with any noodles.
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 broccoli cheddar soup, Instant Pot pasta primavera or Cajun Mac and cheese from Salted Plains a try.
And here are some more dinner ideas if you need them.
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. I also love putting a dash on my gluten free garlic bread.
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.
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!)
Instant pot chicken noodle soup (Perfect for a cold winters day)
Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Ranch (can you believe it is even dairy-free?)
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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
Kate says
Hello, ours came out liquidy and soupy. Wondering what we possibly did wrong or what we could do differently next time? I
Chandice says
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! 🙂
Kasey says
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?
Chandice says
Yes 🙂
Eva says
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!
Jo says
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!
Sara says
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!
Chandice says
You bet, thanks for stopping by Sara!
Alena says
Oooh the nutmeg is such a fun touch to this delicious mac and cheese recipe!
Chandice says
Thanks Alena, it is great for taking it up a notch for sure 🙂
Mikayla says
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!
Chandice says
Thanks Mikayla, so happy to hear this! We love the nutmeg too 🙂
Sharon says
One of my favorite meals just got easier by making it in the instant pot. Creamy comfort food!
Chandice says
Thanks Sharon, delicious and easy are a good combination 🙂
Paige says
This looks SO good and creamy and satisfying and I can’t believe its gluten free! Delicious!
Chef Dennis says
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.
Aleta says
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!
Chandice says
Definitely, easy to make it dairy-free, we do for our two year old.
Colleen says
This recipe is delicious, easy and so creamy and comforting. I will definitely be making again. Thanks for sharing!
Chandice says
Thanks Colleen, I am so glad you loved it!
Gloria says
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.
Bridgett may says
If I add meat does the cooking time change?
Chandice says
You would just stir in precooked meat to the hot Mac n cheese after it’s cooked and you’d be fine.
Brandis says
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!
Chandice says
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! 🙂
Alison says
This was so easy, I did put into a Pyrex dish to broil the shedded cheese on top. Perfect.
Chandice says
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.
Tera says
My favorite mac n cheese! Even being a non GF eater!!
Chandice says
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. 🙂
Brittany says
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?
Chandice says
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. 🙂
Cassandra L says
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.
Chandice says
Yes I am so sorry! Making that change now…
Laura says
Have you tried a lentil based pasta for this?
Chandice says
I haven’t Laura, but it’s worth a shot. 🙂